US 'maximum pressure' changing Iranian attitudes toward nuclear program Amid rising anti-Americanism in Iran, attitudes are hardening, even among moderate elites, with some now espousing the use of the nuclear program as a deterrent. United States
Skeptics wary as Trump appears to ease off Iran The tense rhetoric between Tehran and Washington appears to be settling down after US President Donald Trump asserted that he is not pursuing regime change, but his latest remarks were received with skepticism in Iran. Iran
Polls show opposition candidate ahead as Istanbul rerun nears Ekrem Imamoglu, who won the election as Istanbul mayor in March before he was forced to step down, has expanded his support ahead of the doover election on June 23. Turkey
Will Israeli Jewish and Arab politicians cooperate against Netanyahu? The invitation extended by the Blue and White party to Arab Knesset member Ayman Odeh to address the opposition rally last week might reflect a change in its perception of Arab parties. Palestine
War over vacating most expensive land in Israel Sde Dov airport in the north of Tel Aviv, which serves hundreds of thousands of travelers in domestic flights every year, will soon close to benefit real estate ventures that will change the face of the city. Israel
Central Bank: 2019 will be difficult for Tunisian banks Tunisia's financial and political quarters worry about an imminent liquidity crisis threatening the banking sector. Tunisia
Why new elections won’t save Israel’s democracy The mass rally last week against the anti-democratic legislation advanced by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu does not reflect a change in the public opinion toward peace with the Palestinians. Palestine
Oil dispute reignites Baghdad-Erbil tensions Baghdad and Erbil's relations have largely normalized following the Kurdistan Regional Government's failed independence referendum in 2017. However, the Kurdish failure to commit to the federal budget law risks tarnishing those relations. Iraq
New urban forest planted to save Beirut's river Local and international civil groups came together in Beirut to create an urban forest as part of a larger project to restore the heavily polluted Beirut River. Lebanon
Palestinian Authority gearing up for unrest amid financial crisis Israel has approved the transfer of light armored military vehicles to the West Bank amid fears of the Palestinian Authority's economic collapse. Palestine
Arrest of Ultras members casts pall on Afcon 2019 As Egypt prepares to host Afcon 2019, the government is taking stringent measures to control access to the games and ensure there is no repeat of the violent confrontations that have taken place in recent years. Egypt
Syrians head home from Turkey for holiday The Bab al-Salama border crossing in Aleppo’s countryside opened for Syrian refugees coming from Turkey to spend Eid al-Fitr at home with their families. Syria
Why can't an Arab Israeli couple find a home in Jerusalem? Jewish landlords are refusing to rent an apartment to a couple after determining that they are Arabs. Israel
Can Russia, France work together to settle Idlib? Moscow, Paris and Berlin have recently intensified talks over Syria's Idlib, but so far there's been more disagreement and defeated expectations than consent and progress. Jordan
PMU economic offices undermine fragile stability in Mosul The Popular Mobilization Units are spreading their economic influence in Mosul after playing a main part in the city's liberation. Iraq
Aleppo beekeepers no longer feel sting of war Honey production, a long tradition in the Aleppo countryside, is showing signs of recovery. Syria
