Iraqi boy risks all to rescue Yazidi woman from Islamic State Teenage Diya Hamad told Al-Monitor the heroic tale of how he rescued his Yazidi friend from abuse by the Islamic State, following her into danger even as his own family reached safety. Iraq
Local election results will complicate Turkey’s security choices Despite electoral losses suffered by the alliance led by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the nationalists in that alliance were able to improve their standing, which will surely affect Erdogan's future security choices. Turkey
As US peace plan rollout approaches, Palestinians voice rejection Even before the long-touted US Middle East peace plan is announced, Palestinian officials have already rejected the deal, saying it will inevitably favor Israel. Palestine
Iran stumping for support among Iraqi tribal sheikhs Top Iranian officials have been traveling to Iraq to woo tribal leaders and build influence there. Iraq
Has the clock run out for Netanyahu? Many factors will help determine the outcome of Israeli elections, including general apathy and whether voters feel that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has overstayed his welcome. Israel
Where did Israeli-Russian vote go? Several parties estimate that the “million” immigrants from Russia have been living in Israel long enough to adopt the voting patterns of the general public. Israel
Salary saga continues for PA employees in Gaza The Hamas movement has begun disbursing $350 to Palestinian Authority employees who have not received their salaries from Ramallah since earlier in the year. Originals
New government stresses unity, yet ostracizes Hamas Palestinian prime minister-designate Mohammad Shtayyeh is gearing up to form and head a new Palestinian government after having met with different factions. Will he be able to pull it off? Palestine
Gaza fishermen hope for new start with expanded zone Palestinians are pleased with the Israeli army's decision to expand the Gaza Strip fishing zone, though fishermen there still have to recover from years of hardship that have taken their toll. Palestine
Mismanaged energy sector destroys viability of Jordan's industrial businesses Business owners in Jordan are calling on the government to adopt long-term strategies to reform the energy sector that is threatening their survival. Jordan
Russia expands ties in Lebanon’s oil, gas sector Russia has gotten a huge head start on the United States in gaining access to Lebanon’s oil and gas sector, allowing Moscow to continue to strengthen its economic position across the Middle East. Israel
A political storm called Gantz Polls indicate that Blue and White leader Benny Gantz is getting closer and closer to toppling Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the April 9 elections. Can he make it? Israel
Far-right candidate threatens parties across Israeli political spectrum Former militant right-wing ideologue Moshe Feiglin has reinvented himself and with support from both the right and the left, could hold the key to Israel's upcoming coalition negotiations. Israel
Pentagon nixes Turkish offer to address S-400 fears The Pentagon will not consider a Turkish proposal to create a bilateral working group to temper US fears over Ankara’s looming acquisition of the Russian S-400 air defense system. Turkey
Istanbul mayoral front-runner retains lead during recount Ekrem Imamoglu, the opposition candidate for mayor, says it’s impossible for his opponent to overtake him, but supporters of the ruling party’s Binali Yildirim say their man will win if the recount is expanded. Turkey
Congress stares down Trump on Yemen war After five votes, Congress has finally passed a bill ending US support for the Saudi-led coalition fighting in Yemen, but it faces a likely veto from President Donald Trump. Saudi Arabia
