Who cares about Israel’s polluted air? According to environmental groups, one is more likely to die from pollution in Israel rather than by a rocket, terror attack and road accident combined. Israel
The genesis of a Palestinian medical boycott While the decision to stop new Palestinian referrals to Israeli hospitals will save the government $100 million a year, the call was a middle-ground agreement and will not be easy on the most vulnerable. Palestine
Palestinians fear Israel moving to annex occupied West Bank The Israeli Likud Party says it wants to extend the powers of some Israeli ministries in West Bank settlements, which could set the stage for Israel to annex some parts of the Palestinian territories. Palestine
Garbage collectors of Ankara discover sound of music in trash Members of The Tin Band, made up of municipality trash collectors, use recycled instruments they find in bins to give public concerts. Turkey
Iran's Reformists push for constitutional amendments Reformist parliamentarians are pushing for a third round of constitutional amendments since Iran’s 1979 Islamic Revolution. Iran
Zarif seeks help from Pakistan Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif visits Islamabad with an eye toward receiving help in dealing with Iran's economic woes and its issues with Washington and Riyadh. Iran
Netanyahu’s fate now in the hands of Liberman Yisrael Beitenu leader Avigdor Liberman knows that he now holds the keys for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition; without him, Netanyahu does not have a majority. Israel
Trump declares Iran emergency to bypass Congress on Gulf arms sales The Donald Trump administration cited Iran as the justification to invoke emergency powers to transfer arms to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates over congressional objections. Congress
Can Russian, Turkish military-technical cooperation go beyond S-400 production? Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan boasted that Turkey will co-produce the S-500 missile system with Russia following completion of the S-400 deal, but existing realities put this into question. Turkey
US says Gulf troop surge ‘defensive in nature’ The Pentagon announced it will send additional US forces to the Middle East, but whether this is a smart defensive move or an unnecessary escalation of tensions with Iran remains to be seen. United States
Whispers become tweets as Turkish artists speak out against AKP Turkish artists, authors and entertainers have begun openly expressing their political views after years of silence, angered by the Istanbul election turmoil and encouraged by the winning opposition candidate to speak up. Turkey
Iran vs. US: From Talk of War to Talk of Talk Trump repeats his offer of talks with Iran, but Iran is not interested. Oman
Seeking trade incentives, Palestinian businessmen develop economic ties with Israel Palestinian businessmen flout political taboos by meeting with Israelis for business. Palestine
Iran calling: How Iranians use humor to cope with Trump The US president’s statement that he hoped Iran would ring him up to reach a settlement has stimulated Iran's caustic wit — a talent perfected over centuries. Iran
IS exploits disputed areas, sets Iraqi fields on fire A rash of farmland set on fire, allegedly by the Islamic State, threatens massive economic loss and more internally displaced persons. Iraq
Israel’s scenario of the 'big' earthquake A devastating earthquake strikes the region about once every century, so Israel — statistically at least — is closer than ever to another deadly tremor. Israel
