Will Iraqi Kurdistan government be able to solve PKK issue? Despite their deep rivalry, both the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) and the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) emphasize the importance of dealing with their longstanding conflicts peacefully. By Dana Taib Menmy
Hoopla over minor Iranian election may herald big fallout in 2020 A normally negligible local election in the Iranian capital has brought the country’s political groups face to face, revealing that bigger clashes may be ahead as Iran’s 11th parliamentary elections draw near. By Ehsan Bodaghi
Ramon Airport: Israel’s white elephant in the desert It’s been seven months since the festive inauguration of the Ramon Airport, which despite its hefty price tag, has failed to meet anyone's expectations. By Mordechai Goldman
World-renowned Palestinian artist finds peace in Jerusalem Palestinian artist Kamal Boullata will be buried in Jerusalem despite resistance from the Israeli government. By Daoud Kuttab In Amman, reporting on Palestinian politics
Could Algeria’s army pull a coup d’etat? As the crackdown of senior regime figures perceived as having fallen too close to the orbit of former President Abdelaziz Bouteflika continues, one of its more prominent figures, retired Gen. and former Defense Minister Khaled Nezzar, has called upon the army to revolt. By Simon Speakman Cordall
Independents flood Tunisian elections Hundreds of independent lists and parties are expected to run in this year’s parliamentary elections, which will now be held after the pushed-forward presidential contest. By Elizia Volkmann
Hamas raises $100,000 for Palestinian refugees in Lebanon Hamas’ recent fundraising campaign in the Gaza Strip to support Palestinian refugees in Lebanon received mixed reactions from Gazans. By Entsar Abu Jahal
How will Egypt protect its expats in Libya from IS? The killing and abduction of a number of Egyptian expats in Libya prompted the Egyptian Foreign Ministry to issue warnings not to travel there because of the inability of the Libyan state to provide protection for the Egyptians amid its prevailing state of insecurity and instability. By Ahmed Youness
Rights group says Turkey sowing dissent in Syria Turkey and its ally Qatar are being accused of spreading false news and fabricated videos to stir up tension between Kurds and Arabs in Syrian areas east of the Euphrates. By Lamar Erkendi
A win-win solution on the Temple Mount Many have tried, but always failed, to resolve the issue of tensions occasionally flaring over praying on the Temple Mount/Haram al-Sharif, but the solution is not so difficult. By Yossi Beilin
Netanyahu risks all by placing fate in Trump's hands Unable to refuse any request from his ally President Donald Trump, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has barred Congresswomen Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib from entering Israel despite wide condemnation. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Democratic leaders blast Israel for banning Tlaib, Omar Pro-Israel Democrats are blasting Israel’s decision to ban two pro-Palestinian lawmakers from visiting the West Bank following pressure from President Donald Trump. By Bryant Harris In Washington, reporting on Congress
Improved employment leaves Iran’s women, youth behind Tehran announced the country’s unemployment rate declined somewhat recently, but not everyone benefited. By Navid Kalhor
Syrian Kurdish commander sets conditions for safe zone talks with Turkey The commander of the Syrian Democratic Forces stated in an interview that a proposed safe zone between Turkey and Kurdish-controlled northeastern Syria must cover the full length of the border between them. By Amberin Zaman In London, reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Can Egypt's 'Passage' lead to an Oscar? "The Passage," an Egyptian film on the War of Attrition following the 1967 Arab-Israeli war, has received an enthusiastic reception at the box office in Egypt and has raised some eyebrows in its treatment of Egyptian-Israeli relations. By Ahmed Fouad
Iran judiciary chief defends internal corruption probe Iran’s judiciary has embarked on an anti-corruption probe that has involved members of the former judiciary team. By Al-Monitor Staff