Who stands in the way of Israel’s Shaked premiership? Former Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked did not make it to the Knesset in the April elections, yet her high popularity generates several proposals for running in the September vote. Israel
Democrats want to tie Trump’s hands on Iran. Here are their options. Congress wants to take back its war-making authorities as tensions escalate with Iran. U.S.
US Syria envoy says ‘no role’ for Europe in proposed safe zone The United States has a “general” deal in place to establish a safe zone in northeastern Syria, the Trump administration’s top Syria policy official said, but the effort will not include European countries. Syria
Election of Israel’s state comptroller turning political For Giora Romm, the Blue and White party made no real effort to promote his candidacy for the position of state comptroller and did not try to mobilize other opposition parties for the vote. Israel
Which road will Israel’s new justice minister take? Justice Minister Amir Ohana has the opportunity to engage Israeli Supreme Court justices in a dialogue that could ultimately benefit the entire judicial system, but he might just as well continue to attack the court in ways pleasing to the person who appointed him, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Israel
AKP's Istanbul campaign sinks to new lows Turkey's ruling AKP has insinuated that the opposition's winning mayoral candidate for Istanbul Ekrem Imamoglu is secretly Greek to discredit his campaign in a move that seemed to backfire. Turkey
Iran says Mossad ‘fabricating intelligence’ on oil tanker attacks Iran’s foreign minister has condemned the UNSC meeting that will discuss UAE claims about oil tanker attacks. Saudi Arabia
Should Iranian guild associations be brought closer together? Iranian guild associations are separately pursuing a multitude of labor actions, including strikes. While many have called for closer collaboration, it is unclear whether such a convergence would aid their cause. Iran
Can Erdogan mend fences with US, Europe while saving face? Turkey is seeking to improve relations with the West to stave off further damage to its ailing economy, but wants to do so without appearing to concede any ground or make concessions. Syria
Syrian farmers suffer as Kurds' crops set ablaze Kurdish authorities in eastern Syria say politically motivated arsonists are setting fire to agricultural lands, destroying thousands of acres of farmers' crops. Syria
Islamic State in Iraq is not over yet Several terrorist attacks have occurred over the last several days across Iraq, raising concerns over a resurgence of the Islamic State. Iraq
Settlers target McDonald’s over what they call boycott of West Bank Israel no longer fears retaliating against international companies such as McDonald’s that settlers say are boycotting West Bank settlements by not opening up shop there. Palestine
Bleak Ramadan TV season depresses Egyptian viewers What is traditionally a light-hearted roster of Ramadan entertainment featured heavy themes of death, revenge and tragedy this year. Egypt
Will Hamas rockets upstage the Bahrain conference? On the backdrop of the upcoming economic conference in Bahrain and as arrangement with Israel is delayed, Hamas opts for more escalation. Palestine
Republicans rebuke Trump over Gulf arms sales Congress is going on offense against President Donald Trump’s use of emergency powers to arm Arab states. Saudi Arabia
Trump presses UAE on alleged human rights abuses in Yemen The Defense Department says in a new strategy that it has pressed the United Arab Emirates to investigate allegations of torture in Yemeni detention centers. Saudi Arabia