Intel: How Turkey's local elections mark rebuke for Erdogan's one-man rule Turkey’s ruling Justice and Development Party appears to have lost control of city hall in Ankara and may lose Istanbul as well, where unofficial results put the opposition slightly ahead. Turkey
Cairo sewer covers reveal city’s history Salma Nassar's photos of sewer covers shed a light on Cairo's urbanization and political symbols over the years. Egypt
Egypt targets artists in ongoing crackdown on dissent Two Egyptian actors who decry human rights violations in Egypt before US Congress members are vilified at home, as is an Egyptian singer. Egypt
Syria's Kurds increasingly isolated as Arab tribes cut deals with regime As Damascus recovers more territory, Arab tribes throughout Syria are increasingly open to working with Damascus to restore security. Syria
Iran continues to struggle to keep workers content The Iranian government, members of parliament, employers and labor activists have finally agreed on wage increases to alleviate the burden on workers. But much more remains to be done to shield Iranian workers from rising prices. Iran
Real Madrid plans to open Iraqi soccer academy The popular Real Madrid Football Club plans to establish a training academy for its many young Iraqi fans. Iraq
As tensions rise with Israel, PA halts medical transfers The Palestinian Health Ministry in Ramallah decided to halt the transfer of patients from the West Bank to Israeli hospitals — an expense the PA covers — after Israel slashed the PA's budget amid rising tensions. Palestine
Gaza insurance provider latest casualty in Israel-Hamas escalation Israel has struck the offices of Gaza's Al-Multazem insurance company, claiming it serves the financial activities of Hamas. Palestine
Netanyahu acting responsibly against calls for Gaza war Despite calls for a military operation from critics, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has acted responsibly in refusing to engage in another Gaza war. Qatar
Toxic campaigns spread online ahead of Israel’s elections According to President of the Israel Internet Association Karine Nahon, civil society must take responsibility, clean up the toxic discourse on the internet and social media, and restore power to the voters. Israel
New app connects food donors to charities in Egypt The Tekeya app, which enables hotels, restaurants and markets in Egypt to donate or sell their surplus food, could help charities develop sustainable supplies of meals to the poor. Egypt
More money troubles in the Netanyahu family The financial relationship between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his multi-millionaire American cousin Nathan Milikowsky could lead to yet another criminal investigation into the Israeli leader. Israel
Did Trump’s decision on Golan undercut Putin mediation on Syria? Russian President Vladimir Putin thought he had a deal in Helsinki; Turkey rethinks Syria ties over Kurds. Israel
Key senator looks to block Apache sale to Egypt over injured American Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., is calling for the State Department to hold a billion-dollar US helicopter sale to Egypt until Cairo pays for the medical bills of an American wounded in a 2015 attack. Egypt
What caused Erdogan’s change of heart on Hagia Sophia? Turkey’s president has pledged to change the status of Istanbul’s landmark Hagia Sophia to a mosque, going back on his previous objections to such a move and raising questions whether the pledge is merely a populist gesture ahead of elections or something more. Turkey
Iran hails Luxembourg court’s rejection of US asset seizure Iran has welcomed a decision by a Luxembourg court rejecting an attempt by families of 9/11 victims to gain access to frozen Iranian assets for alleged Iranian involvement in the 2001 al-Qaeda attacks. United States
