Boys' rescue from forest provides bright spot for Turks The rescue of two boys, ages 4 and 5, from a forest brought a modicum of hope the day after May Day to Turkish union members and others who have seen their buying power dwindle and are still seeing the nation's governing party trying to reverse the results of the March 31 Istanbul mayor election. By Jasper Mortimer
Israel’s finance minister gets second chance Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon is bitter over what he sees as voter disloyalty, but his party still has four Knesset seats that will enable him to keep his job. By Mazal Mualem In Tel Aviv, reporting on politics
Israel, Hamas hesitant over Islamic Jihad provocations On the backdrop of attempts to reach an arrangement with Hamas and ahead of an especially sensitive month, Israel minimizes retaliation against the provocations of Islamic Jihad. By Shlomi Eldar
Can Turkey double down in Libya game? Under attack by Khalifa Hifter’s forces, Libya’s UN-recognized government in Tripoli has pinned its hopes on Turkey, but despite its forceful rhetoric of support, Ankara can hardly tip the balance in Tripoli’s favor. By Fehim Tastekin In Paris, reporting on Turkish politics
Iran arrests dozens at International Workers’ Day protests Iran has marked International Worker's Day with arrests and threats against independent labor unions. By Al-Monitor Staff
Badr strongman Amiri faces dissent within his group's ranks Powerful Iraqi politician Hadi al-Amiri is up against strong opposition within his own Badr Organization, as hundreds of members accuse him of being corrupt and exploiting power. By Omar al-Jaffal
Why first intifada is back on Middle East art scene In conjunction with a new exhibition, founders of the Palestinian contemporary art scene met in Beirut to discuss how the political events of their time influenced their work. By Sam Brennan
Yemen's divided parliament growing further apart Literally and figuratively, the two sides of Yemen's split parliament are miles away from each other and show no sign of reconciliation. By Ammar al-Ashwal
After local electoral wins, Tunisia's independents aim even higher After making major gains in the 2018 local elections, independent candidates expect voters' disappointment in Tunisia's ruling parties to help them win this fall's legislative and presidential elections elections. By Mohamed Ali Ltifi
Remake of Turkey's favorite school flick flunks at the box office Based on novels by the popular author Rifat Ilgaz, the "Chaos Class" film series has been a Turkish favorite for four decades, but a remake of the original comedy has been widely panned. By Paul Benjamin Osterlund
Is the Palestinian social fabric at risk of tearing? A recent local incident on the West Bank required the attention of the national leadership to tamp it down, leading some to wonder it if portends trouble ahead for the Palestinian social fabric, which has to this point been distinguished by its unity. By Daoud Kuttab In Amman, reporting on Palestinian politics
Syrian government, opposition swap 18 more prisoners Small exchanges of prisoners between the Syrian government and opposition continue in Aleppo province, showing some progress but indicating more cooperation is needed. By Khaled al-Khateb
Iranian teachers fill gap between state, society after floods Teachers in Iran have played an important role in relief efforts in the wake of recent flooding, shining a light on the impact of Iranians' mistrust of the state. By Mohammad Reza Niknejad
How the Holocaust became part of Israel’s identity Over the years, the memory of the Holocaust has shaped the new Israeli identity with notions of victimhood rather than lessons of tolerance. By Akiva Eldar
Trump allies push back on Muslim Brotherhood terror designation Even some hawkish lawmakers question the legal validity and political wisdom of a blanket designation. By Bryant Harris In Washington, reporting on Congress
Pakistan steps up efforts to soothe Iran Pakistan is managing to maintain a delicate balance in its foreign relations despite the fierce rivalry between two of its allies, Iran and Saudi Arabia. By Sabena Siddiqui In Karachi, reporting on South Asia, Middle East, Iran