Erdogan threatens to dismiss mayors seen as PKK-linked President Recep Tayyip Erdogan claimed PKK militants had infiltrated political parties in order to rig next month's elections, and vowed to dismiss any mayors determined by Ankara to support the outlawed group. Turkey
'Iran has one foreign minister': How Zarif is turning claimed weakness into strength The debacle surrounding the apparent resignation of Iran’s foreign minister is centered on a desire to refocus the diplomatic power of the Iranian Foreign Ministry. Iran
For the love of Mary and hymn: Muslim singer perks up ears Dalia Ihab Younis shrugs off critics who find it odd or somehow unacceptable that a Muslim woman in a hijab sings hymns venerating the Virgin Mary. Egypt
Iran in grip of massive backlash over Zarif’s sudden resignation The surprise resignation announcement by Iran's foreign minister has sparked debate on what pushed him over the edge. Iran
Despite high price of Syrian reconstruction, business, influence opportunities abound Though Syria's blueprint for reconstruction is ambitious, costly and in some ways at odds with Western priorities, there is some cause for optimism in Damascus' marketing of reconstruction opportunities to friendly states. Syria
Libyan court cracks down on Hamas activities Four Palestinians have been hit with significant jail sentences after a military court in Libya declared them guilty of being affiliated with and aiding Hamas. Palestine
Iraqis divided over continued presence of American forces As Islamic State militias have become active again in different areas of Iraq, the debate over ejecting US forces is on the rise among Iraqi politicians. Iraq
Labor Party recalculates strategy ahead of Israeli elections Paradoxically, the threat of the new Blue and White party in Israel has pushed the Labor Party into featuring sharper messages on diplomatic affairs and a clearer agenda. Israel
Israel to withhold PA taxes, quietly ask donors to make up difference Israel intends to cut tax revenues owed to the Palestinian Authority but will need foreign intervention to save the Palestinian Authority from collapse. Qatar
Israeli right stretches moral principles to ally with radical group The electoral alliance between HaBayit HaYehudi and the radical Otzman Yehudit under the prime minister's guidance has outraged moderates on the right and invited accusations of hypocrisy. Israel
Netanyahu’s radical-right alliance rattles AIPAC's allegiance Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu underestimated the objection of the pro-Israeli lobbying group AIPAC to his alliance with the radical-right ahead of elections in Israel. Israel
Academy fights discrimination with art, music in Lebanon's Bekaa Valley Peace of Art, a humanitarian organization and fine arts academy, offers the people of the northern Bekaa Valley an artistic and pacifist outlet in a region plagued by conflict. Lebanon
Idlib’s rebels on alert against infiltration by Islamic State The armed groups controlling Idlib remain wary of the prospect of Islamic State militants sneaking into the region, following reports that IS members are seeking safe passage to the province. Iraq
Intel: Iran’s top diplomat offers resignation after being iced out of Syria talks Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif suddenly resigned Monday in a post on Instagram where he expressed gratitude “to the dear and honorable Iranian people for the last 67 months” while apologizing for “all the shortcomings during my service.” Syria
UAE steps up anti-Turkey efforts in Syria The United Arab Emirates engages Turkey in a war of words and deeds over Ankara's fight with Kurds in Syria. United Arab Emirates
