US policy faces blind spots on China, Middle East The effects of US trade policy toward China may strike a blow on global markets and possibly affect US national security. Saudi Arabia
Tempered hopes for US-Iran breakthrough as Japan’s Abe travels to Iran Though President Donald Trump has encouraged the visit, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has limited room to maneuver as he visits Iran this week to try to advance US-Iran dialogue. United States
Iran focuses on political solution while keeping military option open in Syria While Iran’s plan to overcome the current challenges in Syria focuses on diplomatic and political measures, Tehran is preparing for all scenarios, including military escalation. Syria
German FM arrives in Iran as race to save nuclear deal continues German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas arrived in Tehran to discuss ways to reduce tensions between Iran and the United States. Iran
Why interim government supports Hifter in Libya In an interview with Al-Monitor, the foreign minister of the interim Libyan government, Abdul Hadi al-Hweij, discusses what he sees as the international community’s perplexing stances toward Libyan groupings in addition to speaking about the battle for Tripoli and other developments in the Libyan arena. Libya
Will Tunisian prime minister resign or run for president? Tunisian Prime Minister Youssef Chahed has been elected head of Tahya Tounes, which has sparked fears among political circles that he might use his post to serve party interests. Tunisia
Lebanon university strike threatens students’ futures As the Lebanese parliament is considering austerity measures that would see public wages slashed, the Lebanese University continues its open-ended strike, with students missing classes for weeks now. Lebanon
Egypt’s electricity deal with Cyprus, Greece brightens energy outlook Egypt has signed an agreement with Cyprus and Greece to build undersea electrical cables allowing it to export electricity to Europe. Egypt
Under US plan, Palestinian refugees will still be refugees There is word that the United States wants to improve Palestinians refugees' living conditions in Gaza and the West Bank, but Palestinians fear the measure is an attempt to merely paint over the real issue: the refugees' right to return to their homeland. Palestine
Turkey’s risky route in Idlib Turkey is struggling to maintain a balance with Russia as it takes action to block the Syrian army at Idlib. Syria
Construction sector in Gaza under pressure The Israeli siege and the deteriorating economic situation in the Gaza Strip have forced dozens of construction companies to shut down and relocate to the West Bank or neighboring countries. Palestine
As Iran stirs worries, Sisi sets vision for Arab security Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi offers a plan to achieve Arab security and counter threats to the Arab region, to avoid war with Iran. Saudi Arabia
Lebanese mountaineer speaks up for women, children from Everest summit Joyce Azzam became the first Lebanese woman to complete the Seven Summits challenge by climbing Mount Everest, and now she's going back to clean it up and set an example for others. Lebanon
Beneath tough exterior, Putin may be ready to deal on Iran Russian President Vladimir Putin seems to hold all the cards in the region, but is Moscow ready to show its hand? Syria
Iran sticks to 'Look to the East' doctrine amid frustration with Europe As Europeans continue to let it down, Iran is increasingly focused on its "Look to the East" doctrine, grabbing every chance to boost trade with China, India and Japan. Iran
Israel’s religious right plays the merger game Ahead of September elections, Israel’s religious right is busy examining their current positions and alliances and whether to continue with the United Right. Israel
