Who will benefit from Qatar’s asylum law? Although Qatari-Egyptian ties have been strained since the ouster of Muslim Brotherhood President Mohammed Morsi, Qatar’s asylum law was followed with a ministerial decision that would not only protect Egyptian fugitives, but also ease their financial burden. Qatar
Barzani cousins assume top posts in Iraqi Kurdistan The new president and prime minister of the Iraqi Kurdistan Region have been sworn into office. Iraqi-Kurdistan
Female entrepreneurs fight crisis by reviving heritage Female entrepreneurs from Iraq, Palestine and Egypt show that hardship does not always impede creativity, particularly when you build on your country's artistic heritage. Palestine
Can Russia plug through US sanctions to reconstruct Syria? Russia seeks to work around US sanctions to help reconstruct Syria, but some of Damascus' own policies may be unhelpful in this endeavor. Syria
Ankara plays down US ultimatum on S-400 Despite the US announcement that Ankara will be excluded from the F-35 fighter jet program if it goes ahead with its purchase of a Russian missile system, Turkish officials continue to behave as if Washington is bluffing. Turkey
Trump leaves Congress in dark on Mideast deployment to counter Iran The chairman of the House Armed Services Committee says Congress has yet to hear back from the Donald Trump administration on how long a fresh rotation of troops, ships and planes sent to counter Iran will remain in the Middle East. Congress
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. U.S.
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