On Iran, US allies fear ‘maximum pressure’ could provoke escalation While Iran continues to comply for now with the 2015 nuclear deal even after the reimposition of US sanctions, European allies fear that the US administration’s “maximum pressure” campaign could eventually lead to war. By Laura Rozen
Erdogan says Turkish troops to march into northeast Syria Some experts think Erdogan's threat to send troops into northeast Syria is a trial balloon that has more to do with Turkey's March 31 local elections than anything else, but others take his statements more seriously. By Jasper Mortimer
Six factors shaping Iran’s missile decision-making calculus It would be folly to expect that Iran would dismantle the backbone of its defense doctrine without bearing in mind its security concerns, including the need for a broader regional arrangement to ban weapons of mass destruction. By Seyed Hossein Mousavian
Deadlock continues over fate of Iran's Green Movement leaders The three Iranian opposition leaders detained during the 2009 election protests are still languishing under house arrest as Reformists and hard-liners argue endlessly. By Al-Monitor Staff
Yellow Vest protests cause satisfaction and resentment in Turkey Protests in Paris have ignited fears of copycat demonstrations against President Erdogan in Turkey. By Semih Idiz
PA claims UAE health project in Gaza politically motivated A health care megaproject in the Gaza Strip funded by the UAE and implemented through the humanitarian Takaful organization has angered the Palestinian Authority for circumventing it. By Rasha Abou Jalal In Gaza City, reporting on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict
South Africa takes Palestinian side, supports BDS A Hamas parliamentary delegation has recently signed a memorandum of understanding with the African National Congress during a visit to South Africa — an achievement as far as relations between the two parties are concerned. By Entsar Abu Jahal
Egypt takes on massive development — and debt While many economists are praising Egypt's major development projects in the fields of energy, agriculture and transportation, others are warning against the unprecedented debt the country faces due to such projects. By David Awad
Regeni case still complicating ties between Rome, Cairo Almost three years on, Egypt has yet to reach tangible results in the murder case of Italian researcher Giulio Regeni, but now Italy’s public prosecutor has named five Egyptian national security officers as suspects. By Albaraa Abdullah
Closing Hezbollah tunnels only first step in Israel's northern operation Israel's Operation Northern Shield will not only neutralize Hezbollah's attack tunnels, but also allow the completion of a massive construction project to defend the border. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Jordanian activists left disappointed by PM Razzaz When Jordan’s Omar Razzaz was appointed prime minister this summer, many in civil society were pleased given his longtime support for liberal causes and free speech including serving on the board of a human rights organization; however, during his time in power, Jordanian activists have faced many of the same challenges. By Aaron Magid
Is Hebrew U dropping Hebrew for English? Some Israeli researchers and politicians are critical of a decision by the Hebrew University to teach more classes in English, but administrators believe such a switch is necessary to maintain the institutions status. By Danny Zaken In Ma'ale HaHamisha, reporting on Israel
Congress seeks to formally condemn Saudi prince for journalist’s death Republican leaders in Congress are securing support to formally condemn Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. By Bryant Harris In Washington, reporting on Congress
Can Russia, China cooperate on the Middle East? Russia and China seek to reinforce cooperation over the Middle East, but each approaches the region with its own rationale. By Maxim A. Suchkov