Sen. Van Hollen challenges Trump's bypass of Congress on Saudi Arabia, Iran In an exclusive interview with Al-Monitor, Maryland Democratic Sen. Chris Van Hollen describes efforts to curtail the Trump administration’s Gulf policies. Yemen
Why Turkey is closing down Syrian refugee camps The Turkish government has been systematically closing down Syrian refugee camps, citing high costs and integration problems, but are those the real reasons? Syria
Is US pressure really uniting Iran's rival political camps? Washington's mounting pressure on Tehran might have been expected to forge unity among Iran's rival political camps. But Iranian hard-liners seem to be seizing the moment by attacking an already weakened Rouhani administration ahead of key polls next year. U.S.
Israel's religious right thrives on political unrest Knesset member Betzalel Smotrich of the United Right party is campaigning for Israel to be run according to religious law, and there are no guarantees he won’t make it happen. Israel
Turkey squashed by Idlib pressure Despite the usual bluster in his traditional Ramadan address, Turkey's president said not a word about the destruction in Syria's Idlib, where Ankara's balance is wobbling. Syria
Can Turkey correct human rights record with new justice reform strategy? President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has just announced a comprehensive judicial reform program, but will it be enough to solve the country's deepening human rights problems? Turkey
Can Kuwait’s Silk City project overcome Islamist opposition in parliament? Kuwaiti lawmakers are raising concerns over possible Chinese investments and liberal regulations involved in the country's economic megaproject, Silk City. Kuwait
Iran seems to have never stopped funding Hamas families Iran has reportedly resumed its funding to the Palestinian Hamas movement through funds to families of Palestinians killed in resistance activities in the Gaza Strip. Palestine
Iran to US: Stand by commitments and we’ll talk If the United States wants to resume talks, Iranian leaders have said, it should stick to the original commitments it made under the nuclear deal. U.S.
Iraqi parties lack democracy and transparency Iraqi democracy is run by groups of nondemocratic political parties, raising concerns over the sustainability of democracy in Iraq. Iraq
Will Israel enforce the truce agreements prior to election? The fact that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu failed to form a government and awaits the new election’s outcome has raised questions on whether he will implement the truce understandings with the Palestinian factions. Palestine
Are banks in Gaza jeopardizing economic sector? Banks are limiting their facilities in the Gaza Strip, which reflects badly on the already ailing economy. Palestine
Will Israeli Arabs come out to vote in September? The numbers make clear that a change of regime and victory for the Blue and White in September elections can only be achieved by boosting voter turnout among Arabs, who represent double the vote potential than the ultra-Orthodox parties, which garnered 16 Knesset seats in the April vote. Israel
Egypt upping high-tech game to smarten cities, services The Egyptian government is launching itself into the world of technology by digitizing an array of services. Egypt
Why Arabs are pressuring PA to take part in Bahrain summit Some Arab countries are placing political and financial pressure on the Palestinian Authority to reconsider its rejection of the Bahrain economic workshop, which the United States is holding later this month to kick off its peace plan. Gulf
Some Palestinians up in arms over weapons proliferation The Palestinian Authority is being criticized for failing to end the spread of weapons among citizens in the West Bank, where family disputes often end tragically. Palestine