As AKP loses big cities, has Erdogan overplayed his hand? In an interview with Al-Monitor, American social anthropologist Jenny White describes the challenges that lie ahead for the abashed ruling party and the triumphant opposition after Turkey's electoral upset. Turkey
Turkey’s milestone elections shatter Erdogan’s air of invincibility Turkey's local elections on March 31 broke the glass ceiling for the Turkish opposition, ending the perception that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is invincible. Turkey
Massive march in Gaza calmer than expected despite 4 deaths The recently held "million-man return march" was relatively calm in Gaza after Egyptian peace negotiators called on Palestinian factions to maintain calm, as Israel pledged in exchange not to shoot at demonstrators. Palestine
Women lead the way in Sinai hike A new hiking initiative in Egypt's Sinai governorate, where hikes are led by local Bedouin women, creates new opportunities and showcases compelling narratives. Egypt
Separate and parallel: Why are Iranian conservatives creating ‘safe havens’? The Iranian state appears to be increasingly funneling its resources into preserving and satisfying its loyal base rather than toward all-out efforts to win the hearts and minds of the broader public and enforce ultraconservative practices. Iran
Egypt takes another whack at fuel subsidies Egypt's draft budget for fiscal year 2019/20 includes a 42% cut in fuel subsidies, raising concerns among drivers across the country. Egypt
Palestinian Authority blames Hamas for lack of progress The Palestinian Authority accuses Hamas of impeding the PA's diplomatic efforts in international forums by launching rockets into Israel. Meanwhile, Hamas and Israel have a tentative truce. Palestine
Why Israel aims for arrangement with Hamas According to publications, Israel and Hamas have reached an inclusive agreement for easing the Gaza blockade and restraining border violence. Palestine
Israel's year of the undecided voter Undecided voters will determine the outcome of the April 9 elections and with that the fate of the Arab Peace Initiative, which the Arab League endorsed yet again at its annual summit but has not registered on the radar of Israeli candidates or the media. Israel
Iranian Red Crescent says US sanctions impeding flood relief The Iranian Red Crescent complained that US sanctions are impeding the collection of international aid to help its response to disastrous floods. Iran
5 obstacles to Khamenei’s call for ‘boost in domestic production’ While the Iranian supreme leader’s emphasis on domestic production in the face of external sanctions makes a certain amount of sense, the question is how such a strategy should be implemented — and in which sectors of the economy. Iran
Turkey's ruling AKP loses Ankara, Istanbul as opposition springs to life Turkey's ruling party lost big in the municipal elections and the main opposition party took Ankara and Istanbul, which the Justice and Development Party and its Islamist forerunners had controlled for the past 25 years. Turkey
Hamas leadership seeks to restore ties with Syria Hamas sees an opening to rebuild ties with Damascus. Palestine
Will truce between Hamas, Israel last until election day? Egyptian cease-fire efforts seem to be advancing since Hamas deployed members to prevent Palestinian protesters from clashing with Israeli forces, and Israel opened two crossings and loosened fishing restrictions off the coast. Palestine
Iraq inches closer to Egyptian, Jordanian axis Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, Jordanian King Abdullah II and Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi met in Cairo to discuss ways to enhance economic and strategic relations, as well as a unified Arab position toward the regional developments, including the US recognition of Israel’s sovereignty over the occupied Golan Heights. Egypt
IS children, the lost generation The misallocation of resources, social stigma and de facto administrative discrimination uphold obstacles to the reintegration of children in Iraq born under or recruited by the Islamic State. Iraq
