Criticism grows as Iranian authorities respond to floods Many Iranian provinces have been hit by flash flooding as criticism grows online about prevention efforts. Iran
Trump's Golan Heights decision deepens rift with Turkey The list of disagreements between the United States and Turkey is growing with Washington's decision to recognize the Golan Heights as belonging to Israel. Israel
Russia weighs in on Trump’s Golan Heights decision The US decision to recognize Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights makes Moscow consider its own balance sheet on the issue. Israel
Kurds in Afrin celebrate Nowruz despite ban Kurds in Syria’s northern city of Afrin, joined by internally displaced people, celebrated Nowruz despite a ban imposed by armed opposition factions. Syria
Independent film festival builds home for Palestinian cinema in Haifa In Israel's Haifa, an independent film festival showcases Palestinian and Middle Eastern films in an effort to create a local artistic hub and reconnect the coastal city's Palestinian community to the rest of the Arab world. Palestine
New pact will open flow of Egyptian workers to Libya Egypt and Libya recently signed an agreement to cooperate on screening Egyptian laborers so more of them can enter Libya as the security situation is gradually improving. Egypt
Abbas making rounds to drum up financial support Steeped in debt, the Palestinian Authority is doggedly pursuing Arab support, among other options. Saudi Arabia
Why does Israel sabotage relations with Jordan? The Israeli government’s irresponsible behavior involving the Bab al-Rahma issue and other matters threatens ties with Jordan and squanders the possibility of working constructively with King Abdullah II. Palestine
Tehran cop standing up to celeb raises debate on privilege, rule of law A controversial incident involving a former Iranian soccer player who refused to abide by traffic laws has ignited furious reactions in Iran against celebrities expecting special favors. Iran
Turkey disgruntled by US support for Greece, Cyprus, Israel summit Ankara believes gathering in Jerusalem aims to block Turkish access to energy resources in eastern Mediterranean. Israel
Ferry disaster reveals challenges for Iraq in Mosul As the death toll of the sunken ferry hits 120, protests against corruption might lead to a backlash in Mosul, and the Iraqi parliament has voted to dismiss Ninevah province's governor. Iraq
US, announcing new sanctions, says it hopes Iran comes 'back to negotiating table' New sanctions on Iranians who have engaged in sensitive defense research are intended to make those individuals “radioactive,” according to a senior US administration official. United States
Algerians keep up mass protests for fifth consecutive week Over the past week, many within the Algerian government have switched over to the side the protesters, but it's unclear how welcome they will be this late in the game. Algeria
How US, Iranian regional security strategies diverge The Iranian and US models to promote regional security differs because the former emphasizes engagement with nations to raise popular forces while the latter solely relies on states. United States
Hamas turns violent on peaceful protesters in Gaza Rights organizations and activists in the Gaza Strip called on Hamas to stop its violent repression of peaceful demonstrations that erupted there against deteriorating living conditions. Palestine
SDF commander lays out conditions for reconciliation with Damascus In an exclusive interview, Mazlum Kobane warns of a “second great war” if Turkey intervenes militarily; State Department officials explain consequences of "undisciplined armed groups" in Iraq. Syria
