Is Kurdish dream of autonomy coming to an end? The clouds of doubt over the Kurdish autonomy project in northern Syria have thickened after the Kurds struck a military alliance with Damascus, without getting any assurances on their future political rights. By Fehim Tastekin In Paris, reporting on Turkish politics
Arrest of Telegram channel operator surprises Iranians The operator of a popular dissident Telegram channel was in Iraq when he was apprehended and handed to Iran, according to BBC Persian. By Al-Monitor Staff
Families of Sadr City ‘martyrs’ say protests will resume Families and friends of the dozens of protesters from Baghdad’s Sadr City killed in the recent protests say they doubt reforms announced by the prime minister will significantly affect the current situation. They warn that protests will continue unless they see real change. By Shelly Kittleson
Abbas rallies election support, with or without Hamas The Arab League has announced its backing for Palestinian legislative elections, as Hamas and Fatah remain divided over them. By Adnan Abu Amer
Why this activist pins her hopes on Tunisia's new president Marwa Heni, who has founded an association to help Tunisian marginalized groups, pins her hopes on the new president. By Marta Bellingreri
Turkish attacks cut water supply to Syrian province Shelling by Turkey in northeastern Syria has damaged the main water station supplying Hasakah province, where thousands of people, including many fleeing the Turkish invasion to the north, are at risk of not having safe drinking water. By Himbervan Kose
Palestinians seek Egypt’s support to join free trade pact Palestinians are anxiously awaiting admittance to an Arab free trade agreement that should help reduce their economic dependence on Israel. By Ahmad Abu Amer
Algerian regime steps up repression against protests Algeria's interim government appears to be ramping up its response to Hirak activists taking part in popular protests, including resorting to extended pre-hearing detentions and holding protesters in inhumane conditions. By Marc Español
Is Egypt encouraging investments in gold mines? The Egyptian government plans to add the taxes and royalties system to the new amendments of the Mineral Resources Law, thus replacing the current production-sharing system in place. By Rasha Mahmoud
Why Israel’s Gantz should propose a minority government Blue and White leader Benny Gantz should remember that over the years, Israel's narrowly led governments generated much larger moves than unity governments did. By Yossi Beilin
The Takeaway: October 16, 2019 By Andrew Parasiliti In Washington, DC, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, national security
Congress noncommittal on Turkey sanctions The House and several Republican senators are ready to move on a harsh Turkey sanctions package, but Senate leadership is more cautious. By Bryant Harris In Washington, reporting on Congress
Palestinian film festival stars gender-based violence This year's Palestinian Cinema Days film festival took up the problems faced by women in the region and beyond. By Ahmad Melhem In Ramallah, reporting on politics
Anger pushes sanctions in Washington as Pence, Pompeo visit Ankara Following an initial delay, multiple sanctions targeting Turkey are emerging from the White House, Congress and Justice Department as a US delegation visits Ankara to negotiate a cease-fire in Syria. By Diego Cupolo
Angry protests, empty seats overshadow Rouhani speech Leaders of several student unions walked out of a commencement speech by President Hassan Rouhani after they were barred from the podium. By Al-Monitor Staff
Trump-connected lobbyist drops Turkish bank after indictment Halkbank had hired Brian Ballard’s firm in 2017. By Aaron Schaffer