Sinai magic draws Israelis despite the terror threats For Israelis, the magic of the Sinai Peninsula, with its beautiful sand beaches and low prices, is strong enough for them to ignore official travel warnings. Egypt
Abbas gets new government, but has anything changed? Hamas describes the new Fatah-dominated government as illegitimate and says it will only deepen the Palestinian division. Palestine
Human rights group documents Hamas abuses Arrests in the Gaza Strip point at Hamas' harsh treatment of protesters and its civil rights violations. Palestine
Israel’s United Right party not united at all Rabbi Rafi Peretz and Knesset member Bezalel Smotrich, leaders of the United Right party, are each pushing coalition negotiations in another direction. Israel
Egypt reiterates support for Hifter to protect border Libyan National Army commander Khalifa Hifter has recently visited Egypt to discuss the latest developments taking place in Libya, in what experts say reflects Egypt’s strategic support for Libya’s national army and its counterterrorism efforts. Egypt
Netanyahu gambles on Trump against Iran Israel supports the American intention of increasing sanctions against Iran, though pushing Iran against the wall could fire up the Hezbollah front against Israel in Syria. Palestine
2020 candidates line up behind Armenian genocide bill as US-Turkey relations plummet Strained relations between the NATO allies has given advocates hope the United States will finally call the Ottoman Empire’s mass slaughter of Christians in World War I a genocide. Turkey
Turkey’s electoral commission keeps public guessing over Istanbul result Turkey's Supreme Electoral Commission has given into some the ruling party's demands in Istanbul, where a post-game battle is raging over the mayorship. Turkey
Tehran’s biggest annual cultural event held amid ‘paper crisis’ The biggest annual cultural event in the Iranian capital kicks off amid a paper crisis and a controversy over rentierism tarnishing the publishing industry. Iran
Iranian media hail Tehran-Islamabad joint 'rapid reaction force' During a visit by Pakistan's prime minister to Iran, the two countries moved closer toward forming a joint rapid reaction force to combat border insecurity, a plan welcomed by Iranian media as a key achievement in bilateral ties. Iran
Explosive hazards in Mosul a major threat for years to come After the military campaign to retake Iraqi territory from the Islamic State, particularly in Mosul, unexploded ordnance remains a big concern for residents returning to their homes two years after liberation. Iraq
Iraq revisiting security plan for Syrian border at Baghouz Following the liberation of the Syrian border town of Baghouz, Baghdad is planning a new border control strategy to make sure no terrorists find their way into Iraq. Iraq
New cracks threaten future of Nidaa Tounes Nidaa Tounes held two parallel elections for leadership of its Central Committee, further cementing divisions within the partying ahead of legislative and presidential elections. Tunisia
Small business lending on the rise for Egyptian women Small business lending for Egyptian women has increased significantly in 2018, allowing more women, especially in rural areas, to start their own enterprises. Egypt
Netanyahu’s government neglects scientific education Judging by budgets and funding, Israel is focused on settlements, not advancing scientific education. Israel
25 years later, Palestinian farmers regain access to their lands Farmers in the West Bank villages of Jinsafut and Deir Istiya have regained access to their lands in the wake of an Israeli decision that is expected to boost the agricultural sector and create thousands of job opportunities for Palestinians. Palestine
