Videos alleging corruption open public debate on Egyptian military’s economic empire An Egyptian construction contractor's viral videos call for an uprising in Egypt, alleging corruption among the military and authorities. Egypt
Kurdish academic who met with jailed PKK leader speaks out Abdullah Ocalan remains uncontested leader of PKK, opposes US mediation and Kurds separating from Turkey, says Kurdish academic Turkey
Israel’s Liberman tries instigating a secular revolution The very fact that matters of religion and state became the main issues in the Sept. 17 election could help to resolve them. Israel
Iraq steps up search for advanced air defense system Regional conflicts and international tensions, along with money, are roadblocks to Iraq's pressing interest in upgrading its missile defense system. Iraq
Ethiopia again rejects Egypt’s vision for Renaissance Dam After more than a year of stalled negotiations between Egypt and Ethiopia on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, Egypt’s diplomatic moves at the regional and international levels seem to have led nowhere. Egypt
Israel to start exporting natural gas to Egypt as last obstacle is removed An agreement was recently signed allowing the Egyptian Eastern Mediterranean Gas company to use the Eurasia-Israel pipeline, which would allow the resumption of natural gas exports to Egypt. Egypt
The initiative that increased Israeli-Arab voting rate The participatory democracy project for polling booths on local issues, managed to wake up the Arab street and get it to participate actively also in the national democratic process. Israel
Are Netanyahu and Gantz really so different? Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Blue and White leader Benny Gantz appear to hold similar views on certain issues, but are miles apart in tone and expression. Palestine
Is Sisi overstepping the judiciary? President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has appointed a new public prosecutor, without referring to the Supreme Judicial Council, as per constitutional amendments recently approved, which raised the anger of the country's judiciary. Egypt
Petra bus attack exposes divisions within local Jordanian community A recent attack on a tourist bus in Petra seems linked to ongoing tensions between the Bdoul and Layathna tribes, who compete with each other for revenues in Petra’s souvenir and tourism hospitality economy. Jordan
Taxing use of Egypt's beaches stirs wave of controversy Egypt announced a plan to impose a tax fee on resorts and tourist facilities on public beaches, stirring controversy. Egypt
Palestinian school to produce anti-corruption experts The Palestinian Anti-Corruption Academy plans to launch next year to train Palestinians with skills to curb corruption. Palestine
Congress pushes Trump to reopen US Consulate in Iraq’s Basra province The State Department closed the US Consulate in Iraq’s Basra province nearly a year ago. Now Congress is laying the groundwork to reopen it. Iraq
Turkish regulator aims to hasten banking sector recovery as loan market remains weak A Turkish regulator instructed banks to write off $8.1 billion in bad debt, but analysts question whether the delayed move will suffice when it comes to reviving the nation’s troubled loan market. Turkey
Israelis embrace Gantz as Bibi's opposite The level head and plain good luck that have accompanied Benny Gantz throughout his military career could now get the Blue and White leader into the premier’s seat. Israel