Airport inspection in Israel a nightmare for Israeli-Arabs Instead of apologizing to Ambassador Reda Mansour for humiliating his family, Ben-Gurion International Airport authorities continued to justify their behavior. Israel
Likud seniors cowed by Netanyahu, but for how long? Senior members of Likud are considering various scenarios for the day after the Sept. 17 election while their party leader, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, continues to try to ensure that he will be the only member the party considers putting forth to form a government. Israel
Syria’s constitutional committee still mired in discord Disputes on decision-making rules and time frames continue to delay the committee’s inauguration a year and a half since Syrian parties agreed on a committee to draft a new constitution, even though discord over its composition has been overcome. Syria
Jordan's Baha'is struggle for basic civil rights Jordan does not recognize the Baha'i faith as a religion, which has created difficulties for adherents in regard to marriage, inheritance and overall civil rights. Jordan
What's next for Russia in Idlib? Following the violation of the cease-fire in Idlib, Russia faces the need to manage the breakout of new hostilities and fix the deal with Turkey. Syria
US warns Turkey on Syria amid last-ditch talks to resolve buffer zone dispute The United States says it will prevent a unilateral incursion into Syria by its NATO ally, but President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s patience is running out with protracted talks on removing Kurdish fighters from Turkey’s border region. Syria
Iran's Rouhani eases conditions for talks with Trump Iran's president says sanctions removal alone could initiate a Tehran-Washington dialogue, marking a departure from his earlier position where he strictly demanded the US rejoin the nuclear deal before any negotiation. United States
Are Palestinian construction permits Israel's way to annex Area C? Palestinians decry the Israeli Cabinet issuing construction permits to Palestinians in Area C, considering that Israel does not have the right to allow or prevent Palestinian construction, and believe the scheme is to annex Area C to its territory. Palestine
Palestinian government drafts law to protect its doctors A draft law to protect doctors and medical staff is currently underway in the West Bank, amid increasing physical and verbal attacks on hospital staff. Palestine
Tehran issues deadline for bypass to US sanctions Iran is stepping up its pressure on Europe to devise a successful workaround that will provide economic relief from US sanctions. United States
Israel concerned over dire economy, unrest in West Bank The growing number of Palestinians involved in "popular terrorism" is evidently linked to Israel’s decision to deduct payments to Palestinian prisoners from the tax revenues of the Palestinian Authority. Palestine
UAE diversification strategy lags despite growth in oil sector The United Arab Emirates is struggling somewhat with its economic diversification project as oil prices remain relatively low. Gulf
Blue and White clash as campaign messaging diverges Yair Lapid is already preparing for the day after the elections by campaigning against the ultra-Orthodox in a sign that he may quit the Blue and White Party if it loses. Israel
Journalists fear broad new law will stifle online news media in Turkey Free speech advocates fear a new law requiring licenses for web streaming services and online news broadcasters may be used to tighten censorship on the Turkish media. Turkey
Legitimization of racist party sullies Israel’s reputation Israel’s reputation has been sullied by the courting of Itamar Ben-Gvir, a disciple of the racist Rabbi Meir Kahane, by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and United Right leader Ayelet Shaked in the run-up to Knesset elections in September. Israel
Zarif says he was sanctioned for refusing to meet Trump Iran’s foreign minister claims he was warned in New York that if he refused to meet Trump at the White House he would be sanctioned. United States
