Can books be used for punishment? The sentencing of a veteran Iranian dissident to a jail term and to copy three books by hand has brought the phenomenon of “alternative sentences” to the fore. By Parto Shariatmadari
Ankara fumes as European Parliament votes to suspend EU talks The European Parliament called on the European Union to halt membership negotiations with Turkey, citing a failure to respect the bloc’s standards on human rights, while Ankara accuses the legislators of giving in to right-wing populism. By Ayla Jean Yackley
Meet the woman who introduced kimbaps to Gaza Samah Haboub, renowned for her delicious Palestinian meals, has launched an online Korean food business. By Najlaa Eskafi
Despite friction, Egypt retains economic ties with Turkey, Qatar Some Egyptians have been calling for the government to seize Turkish and Qatari assets, but so far that hasn't seemed to sour foreigners on Egypt's investment offerings. By Ahmed Fouad
7,000 runners expected to join Palestine Marathon's seventh race Since 2013, the Palestine Marathon has been an eloquent call for freedom of movement in the West Bank. By Rasha Abou Jalal In Gaza City, reporting on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict
Digital safety training keeps Syrians from being arrested A group of Syrians in al-Bab are working as part of the SalamaTech project to train people on the risks of using cellphones and the internet, in light of the regime’s arrests. By Mohammed al-Khatieb
Tunisian activists call for regulating cannabis production, distribution A youth initiative is drafting a proposal to legalize cannabis and monitor its use and distribution, to be presented to parliament. By Amel al-Hilali
Netanyahu quotes radical rabbi's racist invective Embattled Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has upped his incitement against Israel’s Arab citizens, echoing a heinous argument propounded by radical Rabbi Meir Kahane. By Shlomi Eldar
What’s the holdup on passing 2019 Palestinian budget? The Palestinian government has yet to approve the 2019 general budget two weeks before a deadline extension expires and is now working on a new emergency budget that accounts for Israel withholding tax revenues. By Ahmad Abu Amer
Championing legalizing cannabis, Israeli ultra-right party amasses support The head of the Zehut party, Moshe Feiglin, is a gifted politician: He advances Libertarian principles and legalization of cannabis while concealing his ambitions for a Jewish State law that would expel Arabs and annex the West Bank and Gaza. By Danny Zaken In Ma'ale HaHamisha, reporting on Israel
Israeli model stands up to Netanyahu on equality Popular Israeli model and actress Rotem Sela has riled Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu by reminding him that Israel has a diverse citizenry, including Arabs, who have the right to political representation. By Akiva Eldar
How this online app gives gamers keys to Al-Aqsa The new Protector of Al-Aqsa phone app seeks to familiarize younger generations with the role of this holy site in the Islamic heritage. By Ahmad Melhem In Ramallah, reporting on politics
Sistani to Rouhani: Iraq's sovereignty must be respected Iraq's top Shiite cleric, Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, met with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani in the Iraqi city of Najaf, where Sistani stressed the necessity of respecting Iraq's sovereignty. By Ali Mamouri
Senate seeks to tie Trump’s hands on war powers with vote to end military role in Yemen The vote to end US support for the Saudi coalition in Yemen deals another blow to Riyadh, but it’s also an effort by liberals to curtail the president’s war-making authority. By Bryant Harris In Washington, reporting on Congress
Moscow monitors situation in Algeria as protests continue Russia is watching widespread Algerian protests with caution, wanting to preserve its assets in the country, as well as its strategic relationship. By Vasily Kuznetsov
Turkish opposition candidate faces allegations in lead-up to local elections The favored candidate to become mayor of Ankara has been charged with professional misconduct as a lawyer, but it seems the attempt to discredit him hasn't worked as planned. By Jasper Mortimer