Iran’s Islamic authorities slowly embrace ancient Festival of Fire As Iranians uphold both religious values and national traditions, the Islamic Republic is beginning to recognize the once-rebuffed ancient Festival of Fire. By Zahra Alipour
Hospital-acquired infection kills 15 infants in Tunisia Outrage flared in Tunisia when 15 infants died at a state-run hospital after they were given formula later found to contain bacteria. By Amel al-Hilali
Some Palestinians worry Saudis reconciling with Israel A Saudi prince recently visited Ramallah, raising concerns about Saudi normalization with Israel, as such visits require Israel's approval. By Adnan Abu Amer
Has the Islamic State returned to western Anbar? Iraqi security forces, facing an uptick of Islamic State militants in western Anbar, have intensified their operations in the province. By Hamdi Malik
Politicians in Lebanon take aim at three key sectors to reduce record deficit The Lebanese government is discussing economic reforms aimed at reducing the country’s budget deficit, a key condition to receive billions of dollars worth of foreign investments. By Michal Kranz
For Netanyahu, all is political, even cybersecurity The hacking by a foreign power of the cellphone of the head of the Blue and White Party, Benny Gantz, is primarily a security lapse that occurred on the watch of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is in charge of the National Cyber Directorate. By Mazal Mualem In Tel Aviv, reporting on politics
New program pushes role for Egyptian women in sustainable energy An international bank is working to increase the presence of Egyptian women in the field of green energy. By Maryam Raafat
Israeli right launches full-scale assault on High Court The decision by the Supreme Court to bar far-right activist Michael Ben Ari from running for the Knesset generated great rage within the Israeli right-wing camp. By Danny Zaken In Ma'ale HaHamisha, reporting on Israel
Last week’s rocket fire on Tel Aviv reflects schism within Hamas To avoid escalation ahead of the April elections and the Eurovision contest, Israel accepted Hamas’ explanation over the rocket fire on Tel Aviv last week. By Shlomi Eldar
Why is Ukraine detaining tourists from Israel? In an attempt to fight migrant labor and sex trafficking, Israel is preventing the entry of thousands of Ukrainian citizens every year. By Mordechai Goldman
Iran's state TV woos audiences with American-style shows Iranian versions of "Who Wants to be a Millionaire" and "America's Got Talent" are now on state TV, but seem to draw more criticism than ratings. By Rohollah Faghihi
Netanyahu’s scare tactics sideline economic failures Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s demagogic discourse on security is a distraction from the weakening Israeli economy, congestion on dangerous roads and a declining health care system. By Akiva Eldar
Erdogan took Christchurch shooting to campaign trail Erdogan’s campaign uses brutal images at election rallies of the New Zealand terrorist’s footage and hateful rhetoric, deepening the rift within Turkish society and distancing Turkey further from the West. By Pinar Tremblay
Traditional Palestinian tile craft recedes as demand drops Brightly colored Shami tiles have long defined the vibrant architecture of Palestine and beyond, but cheaper alternatives mean demand has dwindled and the last remaining factory is a much quieter place these days. By Ahmad Melhem In Ramallah, reporting on politics
All eyes on Turkey's 3 biggest cities as local elections approach Turks suffering under 20% inflation and 13.5% unemployment may punish President Erdogan's coalition in March 31 elections in the nation's three largest cities. By Jasper Mortimer
Rouhani’s Iraq visit raises important questions for Israel Does Israel see Rouhani's visit to Iraq as strengthening his hand in Iran? One answer could be that while Rouhani was in Baghdad, hard-liner Ebrahim Raisi was elected deputy chief of the Assembly of Experts. By Meir Javedanfar