Khamenei declares victory as Tehran claims protests slowing Iran's supreme leader says that a security "conspiracy" has been defeated after a heavy-handed crackdown crushed nationwide protests against gasoline price hikes. Iran
Knesset’s 21-day grace period: Opportunity for change Instead of heading for a third election in less than a year, Knesset members could support a noncontroversial member among themselves for the position of prime minister. Israel
Is Jordan Valley's annexation already on the way? As Israel gears up for what could be the third round of elections in less than a year, a bill presented earlier in the month to annex the Jordan Valley has taken on a new urgency in light of the US announcement that it no longer views the settlements as illegal. Palestine
Iraq on display Iraqis are rising up against their corrupt government, but how can these revolutionary protests lead to lasting change? Iraq
Qatar's continued assistance to Gaza Strip in question Hamas says it hasn't been informed of any Qatari intention to discontinue financial aid to the Gaza Strip next year. Qatar
How Suez Canal will continue to change Mediterranean Sea The Suez Canal has changed the Mediterranean Sea from environmental and economic perspectives since its opening 150 years ago, and these changes are only expected to worsen in light of the expansion of the canal. Egypt
Through Fatima's eyes: Jordanians take to streets against domestic violence The blinding of Fatima, a mother of three, by her abusive husband has disgusted and outraged Jordanians because of the lack of protection available for women experiencing domestic violence. Jordan
East Yemen former ruling dynasty calls to revive Mahra Sultanate Amid Saudi Arabia’s growing military influence over the easternmost corner of Yemen, Al Mahrah’s former ruling dynasty wants independence. Saudi Arabia
Report: Iran likely to buy Russian and Chinese arms Tehran will likely look to Russia and China to purchase advanced weapons when a UN arms embargo against the country expires next year, a senior defense intelligence official said Nov. 19. United States
Democrats plan legislative response to Trump’s new Israeli settlement policy House Democratic leaders vow to vote on a resolution backing a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict after the Donald Trump administration’s new settlement policy. Palestine
Opposition party weighs resigning to protest Turkish crackdown The pro-Kurdish Peoples’ Democratic Party will meet constituents to decide on how to counter a clampdown that has seen it lose control of two dozen city halls. Quitting parliament is among the measures up for debate. Syria
Tehran says protests subsiding as internet blackout drags on Iranian authorities say a recent wave of nationwide protests has largely subsided, but a government-enforced internet shutdown and tight security measures remain in place. Iran
Trump blows off Congress inquiry on Lebanon aid freeze The White House has missed a deadline to justify freezing $105 million in military aid to Lebanon, two congressional aides told Al-Monitor. Lebanon
Avigdor Liberman drives Israeli politics crazy Yisrael Beitenu leader Avigdor Liberman had promised that he would not accept any other solution than a "liberal unity government," and so far, he has kept every last letter of that promise, even if driving all politicians crazy. Israel
Rep. Elissa Slotkin praises Iraq protests, warns against Iran missiles at Al-Monitor breakfast Rep. Elissa Slotkin, D-Mich., discussed Iraq and Syria at Al-Monitor’s Middle East Mornings breakfast. Iraq
Liberman, Lapid miscalculate about Likud rebellion Both Yisrael Beitenu leader Avigdor Liberman and Blue and White co-leader Yair Lapid mistakenly assumed that some Likud members would break ranks and join a Gantz-led unity coalition. Israel
