Iran's Rouhani offers to talk with Saudi, Bahraini leaders Iranian President Hassan Rouhani has sent letters to the kings of Saudi Arabia and Bahrain in what is viewed as a step toward de-escalating regional tensions. Saudi Arabia
Ankara faces hostility in north Syria as Turkish-Russian patrols continue Crowds threw stones and eggs at Turkish-Russian convoys as they entered the predominantly Kurdish town of Kobani in northern Syria. Syria
Pressure increases on Israel's attorney general over case against Netanyahu As tensions heighten with Israel's attorney general getting closer to deciding whether to indict Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, some Netanyahu supporters are crying foul over police tactics during the interrogation of Nir Hefetz, a key witness, and claim that as a result of them the most serious charges against the prime minister should be dropped. Israel
Trump defender Dershowitz signs on as lobbyist for Israeli billionaire accused of looting Africa The civil liberties lawyer is close to both US and Israeli leaders. Israel
As Iraq’s demonstrations continue, what comes next? Iraq's demonstrations are important and outside actors should pay heed and do what they can to help prevent a catastrophic outcome. Iraq
Iran's commercial code reform invites turmoil The Iranian parliament's rush job on approving hundreds of articles of a bill designed to reform the commercial code will lead to unconsidered consequences. Iran
Oman’s national unity racks up high cultural costs as local languages fall silent Oman's rich linguistic diversity is dwindling after fifty years of domination by Arabic as the language of education, trade and official correspondence. Oman
Is the PKK worried by the YPG's growing popularity? The PKK, known for its hierarchical nature and its discipline, may be displeased by the growing global visibility of the Syrian YPG. Syria
How this solar energy project will meet Palestinians’ electricity needs The Palestine Investment Fund is carrying out a project to build solar energy power stations in the Palestinian territories in order to meet electricity needs. Palestine
Is Iran’s honeymoon in Iraq over? Protesters in Iraq are directing their wrath toward Iranian influence in their country. Iraq
Are silk and saffron the future of this Anatolian town? The first female mayor of Safranbolu, a town dating to the 11th century, is eager to put her UNESCO-protected city on Turkey's tourism map. Turkey
A very long engagement, Yemeni-style A young medical student in Yemen is using social media to force the release of her fiance detained three years ago. Yemen
Residents returning to Tell Abyad after Turkish-FSA invasion Life is gradually returning to Tell Abyad after the Turkish-backed Free Syrian Army took control of the city from Kurdish forces. Syria
The UAE still has military ambitions in Yemen despite ‘withdrawal’ The United Arab Emirates seems to be staging a withdrawal from Yemen’s southern city of Aden while increasing its influence elsewhere in the southern provinces. Saudi Arabia
Will 2020 candidates' calls to condition Israeli military aid spark public debate? The calls of Democrats Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren to condition US security aid to Israel on changes of policy could alienate the Israeli public but could also trigger a useful public debate and even revingorate Israel's security industry. Palestine
National security officials fear White House reversal on Syria As a residual US troop presence arrives in Syria, some Donald Trump administration officials are worried that the president himself may once again reverse his decision to leave troops in the country. Syria
