Will China play a role in lessening US pressure on Iran? As the United States continues to enforce its "maximum pressure" campaign against Iran, the Islamic Republic is relying on China not as a sole savior but at least as part of the solution. By Mohsen Shariatinia
Turkey sticks to its guns on Russian missile-defense deal Despite the efforts of NATO heavy-hitter Jens Stoltenberg, Turkey seems to be moving closer to Russia and its S-400 air-defense system. By Metin Gurcan
Off The Hookah with Phil and Cooper Episode #098: S-400 Days of Summer (feat. Jack Detsch & Semih Idiz) Phil & Cooper
Iranian National Oil Company opens office in Iraq Tehran expands its economic and political influence in Iraq via its National Iranian Oil Company. By Adnan Abu Zeed
Hamas-Fatah standoff vexes Egypt as mediator Frustrated by the unwillingness of Hamas and Fatah to compromise, Egypt may be shifting its priority to first brokering a truce between Israel and Hamas. By Rasha Abou Jalal In Gaza City, reporting on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict
Despite FM's warm reception in Moscow, Russia can’t do much to save JCPOA Tehran's disappointment with the Europeans leaves Russia as perhaps the only leverage Iran still has with the West on the nuclear deal, but there's little Moscow can do to help at this point. By Julia Sveshnikova
Aleppo crippled by fuel crisis Aleppo's fuel crisis will only worsen with US sanctions on Iranian oil and the Syrian Democratic Forces' decision to stop smuggled oil from entering the regime-controlled city. By Khaled al-Khateb
Egypt takes further steps toward including informal businesses in its economy A mission of the IMF is currently visiting Egypt and is reviewing reports of the country’s economic performance as part of measures to include the shadow economy into its official one. By David Awad
Long-expected battle for Idlib may have begun Backed by massive Russian air power, the Syrian regime has launched what may be the start of a long-feared offensive to retake opposition-held northern Hama and Idlib, in which an estimated 3 million inhabitants and civilians displaced from other areas are trapped. By Shelly Kittleson
Jordan wary of Trump’s plan to label Muslim Brotherhood terrorist body Jordanian King Abdullah seems keen to unite the domestic front ahead of the unveiling of the US peace plan, despite past differences with the Muslim Brotherhood. By Osama Al Sharif
PA wants to break free from reliance on Israeli electricity Jordan and the Palestinian Authority are about to sign an agreement under which the kingdom would supply electricity to the West Bank. By Ahmad Melhem In Ramallah, reporting on politics
Festival brings Sufi bands from region and beyond to Palestine This year's Al-Kamandjati festival has brought Sufi music to Palestinians despite some technical difficulties and entry permit denials for musicians. By Ahmad Abu Amer
Can Israel’s Blue and White party get people into the street? If Benjamin Netanyahu’s fifth government takes steps to keep the prime minister from facing a criminal trial, it will be necessary to bring hundreds of thousands of people to Rabin Square to protest at what is happening to Israel’s democracy. By Yossi Beilin
Gaza escalation; a prelude to Hamas-Israel war? The Israeli army has adopted a new approach vis-a-vis Hamas and the Islamic Jihad, with retaliation against rocket fire and targeted killings. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Israel, Qatar interests merge on Gaza, West Bank In order to ameliorate its image in Washington, Qatar is now ready to extract Israel from the complicated situation it got into by withholding money from the Palestinian Authority. By Shlomi Eldar