Can Russia succeed with Palestinians where Egypt has failed? Moscow has expressed its interest in facilitating an intra-Palestinian reconciliation as well as furthering Palestinian-Israeli relations, but Israel remains wary of such efforts. Palestine
Theater returns to Idlib A group of actors has formed the Syrian Troupe for Theatrical Arts and performed recently for the children in Idlib. Syria
Why this viral shot will not be Egypt's photo of the year A Danish photographer captured the view from the Giza pyramid with a photo that went viral all around the world — but Egyptians were far from pleased. Egypt
Egypt's tiny Jewish community celebrates state action to protect heritage Egypt has long promised to preserve the country's Jewish heritage, but only now have concrete steps materialized. Egypt
Soul-searching Reformists debate whether to run in Iran’s next polls Wary of having lost their political capital amid deepening public disapproval of President Hassan Rouhani’s performance, Iranian Reformists are debating whether and how to participate in coming parliamentary and presidential elections. Iran
IDF in West Bank refrains from arresting Jews Despite a dramatic increase in Jewish nationalist crimes, such as slashing tires, throwing stones, and cutting down olive trees in Palestinian settlements even within the Green Line, Israeli security forces have been remarkably helpless. Palestine
Education minister held secret meetings with settler leaders ahead of elections The Israeli settlers are exploiting their political leverage in this pre-campaign period to legalize West Bank outposts and push for the expulsion of family members of Palestinian assailants. Palestine
France’s yellow vest fever reaches Egypt Since the breakout of French protests and the Gilets Jaunes (Yellow Jacket) movement, Egyptian media have been keen on showing the demonstrators in a bad light. Egypt
Female-only ride-hailing app to compete with Uber, Careem in Cairo Fyonka, Egypt's first all-female ride hailing service, is providing money-earning opportunities and transport for women. Egypt
Russia eyes greater Palestinian role The Russian Foreign Ministry announced its readiness to hold Fatah-Hamas talks to overcome the obstacles impeding internal reconciliation, amid an expected visit by head of the Hamas political bureau Ismail Haniyeh to Moscow. Palestine
Copts once again fall victim to deadly violence in Egypt In an area of Egypt known for violence against Coptic Christians, a father and son were recently slain, allegedly by an Egyptian who was supposed to be guarding a church. Egypt
Creating hipster culture in an old tobacco factory in Sulaimaniyah Sulaimaniyah's defunct tobacco factory celebrates its second year as an arts and culture center. Iraq
Trump buries the hatchet with Erdogan over Syria The US troop withdrawal could also lead to a return of the 'art of the deal' with Putin. Israel
Christmas without Christians in IS-liberated Mosul Mosul's second Christmas after its liberation from the Islamic State is a far cry from its past celebrations — the few churches that have been repaired remain empty. Iraq
Church’s political role sparks debate among Iraqi Christians The Iraqi Chaldean Catholic Church attempts to have a bigger role in Christian politics, but Christian parties see this as unwarranted interference by the religious institution. Iraq
Gaza's Christians blocked from travel to Bethlehem Israeli authorities have refused to grant many Christians in the Gaza Strip exit permits to celebrate the Christmas holidays in Bethlehem in the West Bank. Palestine
