Hamas, others say Israel's new border wall can't stop attacks Israel is spending 3 billion shekels to build a steel barrier along the Gaza border that Palestinians and even Israelis believe will not be 100% effective against Hamas-built tunnels. By Ahmad Abu Amer
Why Egyptian farmers' sons would rather migrate than work in fields Agriculture in the Egyptian countryside is in decline as farmers' offspring would rather move abroad than stay at family farms. By Hossam Rabie
First municipal real estate department opens in northern Syria The Azaz local council in Aleppo’s northern countryside opened a real estate department with Turkish support. By Khaled al-Khateb
Diminished Israeli Labor Party explores new niche in social justice Israel's once-powerful Labor Party is no longer perceived as a viable alternative to the ruling Likud, but it could re-establish itself as a fresh, young social justice platform. By Mazal Mualem In Tel Aviv, reporting on politics
Navy's reversal on 355-ship goal raises doubts on countering Iran The US Navy will re-evaluate plans to grow its force to 355 ships, a move that could upset the Fifth Fleet’s Middle East strategy. By Jack Detsch
Thailand buckles to global pressure, frees Bahraini soccer player Thailand released Bahraini soccer player and refugee Hakeem al-Araibi from prison, though Bahrain has warned that it still seeks to pursue legal action against him. By Amberin Zaman In London, reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Abbas’ speech at African Union, an Israeli failure? On the backdrop of significant efforts by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to strengthen ties with Africa, the invitation of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to speak at the African Union summit could be considered as an Israeli failure. By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
New generation of Iraqi archaeologists follows in mentor's footsteps Iraq's young archaeologists are remembering their inspiration and frequent mentor Lamia Gailani, who worked hard to restore her country's lost heritage and encourage new scientists to explore the field. By Gilgamesh Nabeel
Rouhani touts military achievements in revolution anniversary speech As Iranians marked the 40th anniversary of the Islamic Revolution, President Hassan Rouhani took a harsher tone than usual in defense of Iran’s policies. By Al-Monitor Staff
Saudi Arabia seeks to entice visitors with pre-Islamic sites Following last year's $20 billion French-Saudi deal to accelerate al-Ula’s development, there are more international archaeologists on the ground than ever before. By Rebecca Bradshaw
Ankara, Moscow demand 'decisive measures' in Syria ahead of Sochi summit Turkey's defense minister hosted his Russian counterpart for a preparatory meeting for next week's summit on Syria in a show of the deepening friendship and security ties between the Black Sea powers. By Amberin Zaman In London, reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Can Gaza get a handle on its waste problem? With Gaza's waste disposal crisis now affecting Israeli communities across the border, Israel has approved the construction of a UN-funded waste recycling plant in Gaza. By Entsar Abu Jahal
Turkey, Greece take symbolic but significant steps closer Ankara and Athens both could have lots to gain if they're able to turn goodwill gestures into concrete solutions to their common problems. By Metin Gurcan
As sanctions loom, Syria looks to retrieve funds from abroad Damascus wants the country's banks to develop incentives to bring Syrian funds back, especially those deposited in Lebanese banks. By Mohammad Bassiki
Can bitcoins save Hamas from its financial crisis? The armed wing of Hamas in the Gaza Strip announced that it has started accepting donations in bitcoin in a new attempt to overcome its financial crises. By Hana Salah
Lebanese youth open zero-waste market Active during the 2015 trash crisis, Lebanon’s younger generation are pushing for environmentally friendly products, seen in the opening of Recycle Lebanon’s EcoSouk. By Sam Brennan