Can Baghdad's Rasheed Street save its name, glory? Once a cultural and economic hub, Baghdad's Rasheed Street will need a lot of work and investment to return to its days of glory. Iraq
Will al-Qaeda capitalize on IS losses at Iraqi-Syrian border? Al-Qaeda may be posed to make a comeback in eastern Syria and parts of Iraq, exploiting its historic roots in the area after the territorial defeat of the Islamic State. Iraq
Mosul archaeologist aims to reclaim her city's lost heritage Despite occupation, displacement and war, archaeologist Layla Salih never lost hope of rebuilding the Mesopotamian, Jewish, Christian and Islamic cultural heritage of her city, Mosul. Iraq
Tunisians block roads in response to new gas price hikes Tunisian car owners and truckers are blocking major roads in the country in protest of the government's decision to increase gas prices a sixth time, tightening the noose around Tunisia's working class. Originals
King Salman is back in the saddle With the crown prince's international reputation tarnished, King Salman of Saudi Arabia has stepped in and resumed traveling, hoping to regain control of the kingdom's image abroad. Saudi Arabia
Why Iran is silent about US military deal with neighboring Oman Iran has demonstrated no sign of outrage at a recent US-Omani military deal as the American Indo-Pacific Strategy seems not to clash with Iran's interests in the region. Oman
Egypt gears up for referendum Egypt’s House of Representatives will hold a final vote on the constitutional amendments April 16, before Egyptians at home and abroad vote in a referendum. Egypt
Turkey’s only communist mayor scores another election victory Turkey’s first and only communist mayor beat heavyweight rivals in the March 31 local elections, marking another milestone in his extraordinary political journey. Turkey
Israel’s election battles fought on social networks, not at mass rallies While Blue and White senior officials Benny Ganz and Yair Lapid have a solid presence on social networks, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s activities on this platform have only gotten more sophisticated. Israel
Trump paves way for Israel to expand settlements in Golan Shortly after US President Donald Trump decided to recognize Israeli sovereignty over the occupied Golan Heights, Israel announced a plan to build 30,000 new housing units for settlers in the area. Palestine
Palestinian Authority wary of Hamas intentions toward the US The idea that Hamas could deal directly with Washington stirs the Palestinian Authority’s fear of being replaced by the movement. Palestine
Moscow cultivates neutral image as Libya quakes Despite the Russians' nominal condemnation of renewed fighting in Libya and continuing contacts with all the major players, Moscow doesn’t want to see Gen. Khalifa Hifter defeated. Libya
Will Hamas be partner to Trump’s Mideast plan? Some see recent Israeli moves involving Gaza as part of a chess match having to do with President Donald Trump's reported "deal of the century" peace plan. Qatar
Sephardic voters divided on eve of Israeli elections Senior Sephardic ultra-Orthodox figures have announced their support for the Ashkenazi Yahadut HaTorah. Israel
Peace and democracy losers in Israel’s 2019 elections The major losers of the 2019 elections are clear before a single ballot is cast: peace with the Palestinians and the Arab world, public trust in the institutions of government, freedom from religion, and co-existence between Jews and Arabs. Palestine