Istanbul soup kitchen serves hope to homeless A former homeless survivor of rape and other violence not only got herself off the streets but established a foundation to help others do the same. Turkey
Iraq plans to launch pipelines to export oil through Jordan, Syria Iraq plans to diversify its oil exports via new pipelines through Jordan and Syria. Iraq
Hamas set to counter Israel’s systematic campaigns The Hamas movement abroad has announced its intention to develop a plan aimed at countering Israel’s systematic campaigns that are affecting the movement at several levels. Gulf
Improved Turkish-Chinese ties come at a cost to Uighurs Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s rhetoric on protecting Uighurs' human rights has become subdued as he attempts to lure Chinese investment and other funds to Turkey. Turkey
Syrian Kurdistan focus of foreign diplomatic attention The United States, Britain, France and Saudi Arabia are seeing eye to eye on proposals to secure northeastern Syria. Syria
Where should Israeli Arabs spend the summer? So long as the Israeli government does not solve the severe housing shortage of its Arab citizens, it is logical that Arab families will try to upgrade their lives by moving to Jewish localities. Israel
How will Hamas react to Israel’s admission of error in killing of militant? Israel admitted that it mistakenly killed a Hamas operative near the border fence with Gaza, a move that Palestinians did not accept — although Hamas seems to have delayed retaliation to allow Israel to commit to the truce understandings. Palestine
EU, Iran try to stand ground against Trump’s sanctions The countries working to save the Iranian nuclear deal have various reasons for doing so, and one could be concern that US President Donald Trump’s unilateral decisions won’t stop with Tehran. United States
Trump’s defense pick calls for US-led pact to deter Iran Army Secretary Mark Esper, auditioning for the Pentagon’s top job Tuesday, called on allies to join the United States in fighting Iranian malfeasance in the Gulf. Saudi Arabia
Netanyahu to pass Ben-Gurion in time served, but not in stature Israel’s first prime minister, David Ben-Gurion, and its incumbent prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, who will soon break the record set by the former as the country's longest-serving premier, represent opposing worldviews and aspirations. Israel
Tehran courts Kurds as Washington amps up rhetoric against Iran Iranian Kurdish opposition groups and Iran are conducting talks in Oslo, in what some see as an Iranian bid to safeguard against Kurdish collaboration with the United States. Iraqi-Kurdistan
Turkey removes Arabic shop signs as refugee problem simmers Arabic shopfronts have fallen prey to growing popular resentment over Syrian refugees in Turkey, fueled by the country’s economic downturn and cultural wars. Syria
Ilhan Omar seizes spotlight to push pro-BDS resolution Rep. Ilhan Omar plans to introduce a pro-BDS resolution days after President Donald Trump invoked Israel to defend his racist tweets that put her in the national spotlight. Israel
EU downgrades diplomatic ties, funding with Turkey over Cyprus gas drilling Ankara remains undeterred as EU imposes punitive measures on Turkey over controversial gas drilling activities near Cyprus. Turkey
Will Liberman save Israel’s democracy? Whatever his motives, this coming September Yisrael Beitenu leader Avigdor Liberman could secure his place in history as the politician who successfully saved Israel from extreme religiosity and separated a criminal suspect from the prime minister’s seat. Israel
Will Israel's religious right stand for conversion therapy for gays? The statement by United Right party head Rafi Peretz on conversion therapy for gays generated harsh reactions also from within his own political camp. Israel