Iran spy services claim infiltration of foreign-based opposition in new series Iran's state broadcaster is airing a documentary series to show off the country’s intelligence services’ infiltration of the foreign-based opposition. By Al-Monitor Staff
Why artists are speaking up against ‘dirty money’ in Iranian cinema The increasing emergence of “dirty money” in Iranian cinema has sparked an outcry among artists, producers and directors, who are urging action to stop the phenomenon from ruining the industry. By Rohollah Faghihi
US government no longer excludes MEK as leadership option for Iran The group, once on a State Department list of terrorist organizations, has influential supporters in the Donald Trump administration. By Barbara Slavin
As Iran mulls joining financial watchdog, Israel sees win-win situation If Iran joins the FATF anti-money laundering organization, the Islamic Republic might find it harder to fund militant organizations in the region, but if Iran does not join, it may lose what few international banking connections it already has. By Meir Javedanfar
Clock winding down on Israel's Bab al-Rahma ultimatum After Palestinians broke open the Bab al-Rahma gate and decided to keep the prayer house open and renovate it, Israel has given them a deadline to close it up again — which isn't expected to happen. By Ahmad Melhem In Ramallah, reporting on politics
US diplomats speak out against closure of Palestine mission Several former US diplomats have expressed anger and disappointment over the administration’s decision to merge the mission that handled diplomatic contacts with Palestinians with its new embassy in Jerusalem. By Daoud Kuttab In Amman, reporting on Palestinian politics
How this mother-daughter duo became partners in art Amneh Baagour, who grew up in Lebanon's Beddawi refugee camp, became her artist daughter's best student. By Ahmad Melhem In Ramallah, reporting on politics
Kuwait’s steady hand in Gulf affairs Amid disputes among the GCC states and beyond, Kuwait's efforts to bridge regional and international approaches to diplomacy remain vital. By Kristian Coates Ulrichsen
Egypt unimpressed by Libya's border wall Libya has started construction on a one-kilometer wall along its border with Egypt that security experts say will not stop the smuggling of arms and militants. By Hagar Saeed Mohamed
Tobruk parliamentarian explains south Libya's support for Hifter In an interview with Al-Monitor, a member of the Tobruk-based parliament talks about Gen. Khalifa Hifter’s operation to cleanse the south from armed gangs and secure oil fields. By George Mikhail
Fatah suspicious after Egypt releases Hamas members The recent release of four Hamas members abducted in Egypt in 2015 raises speculation about the price the movement might have paid for their release. By Tamam Mohsen
Signal jamming promises to rile Palestinian prisoners in Israel Public Security Minister Gilad Erdan's push to jam cellphones in prisons has infuriated Hamas prisoners and security heads warn the move could backfire on Israel. By Shlomi Eldar
Start-up nation Israel: Where women are the future More and more women are starting high-tech businesses in Israel, site of the second-largest technology hub in the world. By Debra Kamin
Why Netanyahu is ignoring growing Israeli-Palestinian tensions Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu would typically convene his Security Cabinet and security chiefs to avoid violence with the Palestinians, but this election season has altered business as usual. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Egypt considering moves to help empower, elect women As Egypt's parliament works on amendments to ensure better representation of women in elected positions, the General Assembly of Egyptian Women is supporting women who want to hold local office, particularly in Upper Egypt and rural areas. By N.A. Hussein
Hajour tribes, Houthis locked in key battle in northern Yemen The tribe that the Houthis once bet on in their battles is the one fighting them now in Hajour district. By Ammar al-Ashwal