Israel, Palestinian Authority dispute electric bill payments Despite Israeli accusations, the Palestinian Authority says it remains committed to paying for the electricity it receives. By Ahmad Melhem In Ramallah, reporting on politics
Netanyahu, Liberman in fierce battle over right-wing votes The Blue and White party, which posed a real threat to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the last election, is now the least of his headaches. By Mazal Mualem In Tel Aviv, reporting on politics
Pompeo visits CENTCOM amid mixed messaging from US on Iran In a strange move for a top US diplomat, Mike Pompeo visited a US military command solo to avow that the United States doesn't want war with Iran. By Laura Rozen
As Jerusalem meeting nears, Russia seeks ways to ease US-Iran tensions Russia is urging the United States to cease provocations of Iran and also is seeking to persuade Tehran to stay in the nuclear deal. By Maxim A. Suchkov
Iraq considers appointing powerful clerics to high court Iraq's legislature is mulling over a bill that would change the makeup of the country's top court to include Islamic scholars, stirring controversy over how much influence they should have. By Omar Sattar
Erdogan lauds Brotherhood ally as Turkey mourns Morsi Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan openly questioned the circumstances of the former Egyptian president's death as Turkey observed nationwide funeral prayers today. By Amberin Zaman In London, reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Erdogan faces consequences of his two biggest mistakes Erdogan's repeat strategic blunders may come to haunt him in the June 23 rerun of the Istanbul vote. By Kadri Gürsel
Is Iran’s Reformist-moderate coalition coming to an end? With Iran’s next parliamentary elections just eight months away, the moderates and Reformists are talking about ending their coalition, raising concerns that the hard-liners will return to power. By Ehsan Bodaghi
Iran says not seeking war after announcing boost in uranium stockpile A day after announcing that its stockpile of low-enriched uranium will soon surpass limits under the nuclear deal — earning praise from across a divided domestic political spectrum — Iran says it is not seeking military confrontation with any nation. By Al-Monitor Staff
US lines up partners to protect oil tankers after Gulf attacks Gen. Paul Selva, the second-ranking US military officer, said today that the Donald Trump administration is asking for the help of Asian nations that import Gulf oil to help protect tankers from suspected Iranian attacks. By Jack Detsch
Will Morsi’s death change Muslim Brotherhood's situation in Egypt? The sudden death of jailed Muslim Brotherhood leader and former Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi in court has raised questions about the future of the outlawed group and the conditions of prisons in Egypt. By Mohammed Magdy In Berlin, reporting on Egyptian politics
Israeli-Russian vote decisive for next elections Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu needs at least one Knesset seat from the Israeli-Russian population to assemble a majority coalition after the September elections. By Ksenia Svetlova
Centuries on, Lebanese national liquor still makes eyes water Lebanon's beloved arak is similar to other anise-based drinks like Greek ouzo or Turkish raki, but it still enjoys a distinct and proud local tradition. By Sam Brennan
Even as Sisi frees prisoners, opponents unite against him Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi is releasing more opposition prisoners, bringing the number to 8,000 since he became president in 2014, but he hasn't appeased his rivals. By Amr Mostafa
EU court advised to require labeling of settler products A European advocate general cited the example of apartheid South Africa in explaining why consumers have a right to know that a product was produced in an Israeli settlement. By Daoud Kuttab In Amman, reporting on Palestinian politics
Deir ez-Zor Arab fighters 'punished for refusal to join SDF' A lack of support for local Arab armed groups in the fight to retake the Arab province of Deir ez-Zor and alleged subsequent abuses by the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces may prove a threat to stability in this key geographical area. By Shelly Kittleson