Turkish newspaper staff sent back to prison Six former employees of Cumhuriyet newspaper, including three journalists, returned to prison after a court rejected their appeal of terrorism convictions last year. Turkey
US permits civil nuclear ties with Iran despite 'maximum pressure' Iran’s economy struggles under sanctions, floods, mismanagement; Al-Monitor’s Jack Detsch recognized for "exemplary reporting." United States
Hard-liners joined by Reformist in questioning use in staying in Iran nuclear deal A prominent Iranian Reformist member of parliament publicly questioned the use of remaining in the nuclear accord as Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif warned of a plot to dupe US President Donald Trump into entering war with Iran. United States
Turkey seeks alternate oil sources as US ends Iran sanctions waivers Ankara vowed to defy US sanctions on Iran, but figures show Turkey heeding US restrictions and curtailing oil imports from Iran. Turkey
Biden’s pro-Israel record could help with defense of Iran nuclear deal The former vice president’s foreign policy experience and pro-Israel credentials could make him an effective supporter of the Iran deal but open him up to attacks from the left. United States
As food prices soar, Ankara wobbles on solution Turkey’s food inflation has climbed to nearly 30% amid an alarming decline in the agricultural sector, but Ankara remains far from a viable solution, wasting time with unrealistic projects. Turkey
Will PA take over Gaza crossings again? The Palestinian Authority has recently asked Egypt to take over the Gaza crossings once again in what officials say is aimed at controlling the projects to be developed under the truce between Hamas and Israel. Palestine
US envoy's NYT piece about Hamas stirs speculation President Donald Trump's envoy for the Mideast peace process, Jason Greenblatt, directly addressed Hamas in a New York Times opinion piece, calling on the Palestinian movement to choose peace over violence. Palestine
Hamas denies plot to infiltrate Palestinian Authority security A recent Israeli newspaper report claims Hamas penetrated Palestinian security services in the West Bank. Palestine
Has Egypt ditched Arab NATO? Uncertainty surrounds Egypt’s membership in the US-promoted Middle East Strategic Alliance amid the country’s unconfirmed withdrawal from the project. Egypt
Qatar brings Gaza beaches back to life The Gaza Electricity Distribution Co. completed April 18 a Qatar-funded project designed to ensure uninterrupted power supply to the wastewater treatment plants, which will subsequently stop seawater pollution and revitalize the beaches. Palestine
After years of undermining judiciary, Netanyahu needs its help Israel's prime minister and New Right leader Naftali Bennett are ironically seeking justice through the same court system they attack on a regular basis. Israel
Iraqi bill on Yazidi female survivors stirs controversy If passed, a draft bill in the Iraqi parliament would guarantee financial compensation for Yazidi women kidnapped by the Islamic State, but a clause on the religion of children born from rape has provoked controversy. Iraq
Egypt's opposition fears for future as constitutional amendments pass Egyptian activists criticized the integrity of a recent referendum vote that saw the passing of a constitutional amendment to extend the president's term to 2030. Egypt
Iraq hopes for dilemma-less summer Iraq’s new government faces potential problems and a cast of quirky characters. Iraq
Israelis crazy for mass singings The Koolulam mass singing phenomenon has swept up thousands of Israelis in an effort to bring harmony to a divided society. Israel
