Can new amendment undermine Egyptian women's rights to divorce? A lawmaker's proposed amendment to restrict divorce to cases of extreme harm to women has raised concerns among rights advocates who argue that the bill, if approved, would turn back the clock on women's rights. By Shahira Amin
'Majority' of US troops depart Syria A convoy of US troops departed northeast Syria today, a spokesman for the US-led coalition to defeat the Islamic State told Al-Monitor. By Jack Detsch
Egypt calls Luxor coffins 'greatest discovery of century' The 30 uniquely well preserved coffins recently found in Egypt's southern city of Luxor are a godsend to Egyptian tourism. By Menna A. Farouk
Lebanon’s protests continue to gain momentum Massive protests engulf Lebanon, and four ministers are to resign in consequence; organizers hope to keep the demonstrations' focus on moving forward. By Nicholas Frakes
Why Lebanon’s wildfires risk is becoming more common Lebanon’s recent forest fires have raised concern about the ability to respond to extreme weather events as a result of climate change. By Sam Brennan
What is the effect of Turkey’s Operation Peace Spring on Lebanon? In the wake of Turkey’s offensive against the Syrian Democratic Forces in northern Syria, the Arab League and several Arab governments, including Lebanon, condemned the invasion; however, the opinions of people across Lebanese society have been much less clear-cut. By Michal Kranz
Trump's Syria pullout divides Iran hawks Despite bipartisan rebuke, some see great benefits in fixing ties with Turkey. By Julian Pecquet
Congress puts heat on Saudis for helping fugitives flee country Congress is cracking down on Saudi Arabia for allegedly helping its citizens escape the US criminal justice system. By Bryant Harris In Washington, reporting on Congress
Beirut burns as Lebanon protests new taxes Protests in Lebanon over new taxes continued despite the use of force by politicians' bodyguards. By Michal Kranz
Iraq on low boil in anticipation of renewed protests The crisis in Syria has only made Iraq’s problems worse. By Week in Review
Why Trump’s sanctions failed to shock Turkey’s economy Despite a series of threats to “destroy” Turkey’s economy, Trump’s sanctions against Ankara have failed to trigger a currency shock like the one last year, owing to reasons related to the contraction of the Turkish economy. By Mustafa Sonmez In Istanbul, reporting on economics
Why Russia isn't bothered by US-Turkey agreement on Syria Russia, which has been conducting its own whirlwind diplomacy this week, wasn't disturbed by the US-Turkey deal over northern Syria. By Maxim A. Suchkov
Pakistan hopes to ease hostility between Iran, Saudis Traveling between Riyadh and Tehran, Pakistan’s prime minister is trying to diplomatically defuse the highly charged situation in the Middle East. By Sabena Siddiqui In Karachi, reporting on South Asia, Middle East, Iran
Behind Egypt's gift to Islamic Jihad Egypt has freed some 80 Islamic Jihad prisoners as a goodwill gesture in an effort to bring about an extended calm in Gaza and by extension prevent a conflagration in the Sinai Peninsula. By Shlomi Eldar
Turkey violates deal to pause Syrian fighting, officials say Shortly after Vice President Mike Pence and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan struck a deal to allow the Kurdish People’s Protection Units to evacuate the northern Syrian battlefield, Turkey continued its offensive into northern Syria early today. By Jack Detsch
Syrian opposition ready to resume fighting if YPG stays in safe zone The Syrian National Army’s main goal behind its participation in Operation Peace Spring is to get rid of the Kurdish-dominated People’s Protection Units and the Democratic Union Party. By Khaled al-Khateb