Russia eyes Oman as mediator for regional crises Moscow praises Muscat's stance on regional issues, and seeks to boost its mediation profile. Gulf
Debate already heating up in Iran as Sanders runs for US president The announcement by Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders that he will again run for US president is already triggering a heated debate in Iran over the future of Tehran-Washington ties. Iran
Israeli-Jordanian joint project to save Dead Sea may be poised for approval The Red Sea-Dead Sea water conveyance project would pipe water from the Red Sea to the Dead Sea, allowing surrounding areas including Israel and Jordan to deal with severe water shortages and other environmental issues. Israel
True stories of terror stun critics at Iranian film festival Movies about terrorist groups and crime won several awards and stole the spotlight in Iran's oldest film festival. Iran
Turkey may help Moscow with Afghan negotiations Russia is increasing its mediation efforts in Afghanistan as the United States plans its exit. Turkey
Egypt's Red Sea Mountain Trail creates jobs for local Bedouin community The success of the Sinai Trail, a popular route for hikers, has spurred the development of another, more ambitious project along the Red Sea. Egypt
New Aqsa council gives Palestinians greater control in Jerusalem Jerusalemites have publicly welcomed the new Islamic Waqf Council as a leadership vehicle that will allow them to forge ahead with a clear and implementable strategy for Jerusalem and its holy places. Palestine
The PLO is counting its expatriates The PLO is launching a comprehensive census of Palestinian expatriates to obtain a qualitative database. Palestine
How decision to cut Palestinian revenues could endanger Israel Israel may have the right to deduct payments made to Palestinian assailants from the tax revenues it collects for the Palestinian Authority, but that does not make the decision a smart one. Palestine
History graduate shows West Bank off the beaten track Mohammed Abu Hashhash's trekking guide of 144 routes aims to combine information on natural and cultural landscape with local stories. Palestine
Is Egyptian parliament encouraging alcohol consumption? The Egyptian parliament's approval to lift the prohibition of the sale of alcohol in the law on shops has stirred a wide controversy in a country where Sharia is the source of legislation. Egypt
Turkey succumbs to US court summons, readies defense over DC violence The Turkish government hires law firm and gets 55-day extension from a US district court in a case where Erdogan's bodyguards beat protesters two years ago in Washington. Turkey
Intel: How White House efforts to sidestep Congress on Saudi nuclear deal are blowing up The House Oversight Committee spoke with Donald Trump administration whistleblowers and released a report Tuesday detailing the White House’s efforts to give Congress the run-around in its determination to reach a civilian nuclear agreement with Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia
Intel: How the Palestinians are trying to take Netanyahu down via Israeli elections Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas’ weekend meeting with Nazareth Mayor Ali Salem is widely seen as a desperate gambit, as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appears to coast to re-election on a security platform while Israeli peacemakers fade from the scene. Israel
Iran’s central bank under pressure to print money, weaken rial To cover the budget deficit, Iran’s lawmakers are seeking to force the central bank to print money. If they are successful, they will likely end up making life more difficult for average Iranians. Iran
