Trump administration finds its Iran policy not working The Trump administration conducted an internal assessment of its Iran “maximum pressure” policy this month and determined that it so far has been ineffective, according to a new report. By Laura Rozen
Pro-Palestinian lawmaker shakes up Israel status quo with seat on foreign affairs panel A lawmaker supportive of boycotting Israel has joined the House Foreign Affairs Committee, complicating congressional efforts to pass anti-boycott legislation. By Bryant Harris In Washington, reporting on Congress
Intel: How Trump used his missile defense rollout to take shots at Iran President Trump chastised Iran for attempting to launch a satellite earlier this week and pledged the United States would take a harder line on Iran. By Al-Monitor Staff
Turkey expels Dutch journalist, accuses her of terror links Reporter Ans Boerma, who covered the Turkish economy, was suddenly deported after Ankara said it was alerted by Dutch intelligence she was suspected of links with a Syrian militant group in a case that highlights the hazards of reporting far from home. By Ayla Jean Yackley
Can Iranian sovereign crypto-rial loosen sanctions straitjacket? The United States is gearing up to sanction Iran’s sovereign cryptocurrency in anticipation of its introduction. By Maziar Motamedi
IRGC head vows to protect military advisers in Syria The head of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has responded to comments by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu about successful Israeli strikes in Syria. By Al-Monitor Staff
Afcon soccer tourney gives Egypt chance for glory both on, off field Egypt is getting only a small amount of time to prepare for Afcon 2019, but the major soccer tournament could pay off big time. By Abdulla Kadry
Cairo museum displays Egypt’s ancient Coptic textiles The Egyptian Textile Museum’s latest exhibition, "God is Love," offers several rare early Coptic textiles just in time for Coptic Christmas. By Hani Sameer
Assad’s reconciliation with Arab world could upend Turkey’s plans As Arab states warm toward Syria, Ankara might end up facing an anti-Turkish Arab bloc that could complicate its planned operations in northern Syria. By Semih Idiz
Najaf Shiites launch solidarity initiative with Sunni areas Religious figures from Najaf have developed an initiative for dialogue and cooperation with the Sunni provinces liberated from Islamic State. By Ali Mamouri
Will nature reserves law finally see the light in Egypt? The Egyptian parliament is set to discuss and approve a draft law on the Economic Commission of Nature Reserves in a bid to encourage tourism and manage investments in such reserves. By Amr Mostafa
Is Israel spying on its visitors? Foreign visitors attending conferences in Israel are being asked to complete a form accounting for their free time and the names and phone numbers of the people with whom they expect to have contact. By Yossi Beilin
Jerusalem tensions rise without security coordination The lack of coordination between Israelis and Palestinians at Al-Aqsa Mosque is threatening to dial up tensions at the disputed site. By Daoud Kuttab In Amman, reporting on Palestinian politics
Expect trade activity boost between Egypt, Gaza Strip Egypt and Hamas are exploring trade options, including a new border crossing, that would skirt Israel and the Palestinian Authority. By Ahmad Abu Amer
Israel’s nationality law takes over election campaign The courageous statement by former IDF Chief Benny Gantz about amending the nationality law brought the issue back to the public agenda and to the election campaign. By Mazal Mualem In Tel Aviv, reporting on politics