Child marriage nullified after social media outrage in Iran After video of an 11-year-old bride surfaced online, a popular backlash prompted the authorities to investigate and prosecute the groom, the officiant and the girl's father. Iran
Will PMU allow parliament to appoint its leaders? Some Iraqi parliamentary blocs are working to mandate that parliament appoint the leaders of the Popular Mobilization Units. Iraq
Despite appeal by Abbas, Egypt keeps Palestinian official's son in jail The family of Ramy Shaath — the son of Fatah official and former Palestinian Minister of Foreign Affairs Nabil Shaath — has had no luck getting him released since he was arrested in July on what the family says are trumped-up terrorism charges. Palestine
Qatar seeks increasing development projects in Africa Qatar is increasing its investments and aid to Somalia, with plans to expand more in West Africa in the future. Saudi Arabia
Palestinians in Jordan Valley want more to remain in their land The Palestinian government announced its intention to offer grants for graduates seeking a job in the Jordan Valley with the aim to encourage Palestinian presence in the area, which is highly coveted by Israel. Palestine
UNESCO-listed Anatolian town gets contemporary museum The Odunpazari Modern Museum aims to develop the cultural offer in the Anatolian town of Eskisehir. Turkey
Erdogan warns of 'annihilation' in Syria’s Idlib Turkey’s president is lamenting the bombardment of Syria’s last opposition bastion as the latest cease-fire is tested and trapped civilians may be forced to flee across the border. Syria
Can a dish and a tale help Syria's internally displaced integrate? Displaced women from different parts of Syria build bridges with the locals in Atareb by cooking and talking. Syria
Iran set for 'extraordinary' breach of nuclear deal commitments Iran says it is gearing up to take a crucial step toward further reducing its compliance with the nuclear deal, as officials see no immediate tangible outcome from talks with the European signatories to the accord. U.S.
Blue and White dumps ultra-Orthodox; tries to make up with secularists Two weeks ahead of elections on Sept. 17, Blue and White has changed its strategy to regain and broaden support among secularists after realizing it has been 'hemorrhaging votes,' mainly to Avigdor Liberman. Israel
Court rules president of Al-Azhar in Gaza must step down A court has determined that Al-Azhar University-Gaza must elect a new president, a move that settles — at least temporarily — a row between Fatah leaders that led to a school-closing union strike. Palestine
Why is Hamas reshuffling its security apparatus in Gaza? Hamas sources have told Al-Monitor that operations against Israel by individuals operating independently are what led the movement to make major changes in the ranks of its security forces in Gaza. Palestine
Ninevah sheikh and ex-commander warn of ‘IS family camp dangers’ Nearly two years after its liberation from the Islamic State, Ninevah province is still struggling to deal with IS-linked displaced people. Iraq
Is hard-line Ayatollah Larijani facing the beginning of his end? Iran's powerful Larijani family has made many enemies over the years, a legacy that might be catching up with at least one member, Expediency Council Chairman Ayatollah Sadegh Amoli Larijani. Iran
US calls on Russia to cease Idlib fight amid terror strikes The Pentagon called for Russia to halt its offensive into Syria’s Idlib province as the United States launched strikes into the contested region aimed at al-Qaeda leaders. Syria
Rouhani dismisses bilateral talks with US, claims economic recovery Iran's president has dismissed any bilateral dialogue with the US government, saying Washington's "maximum pressure" campaign has failed to bring Iran to its knees. U.S.