Algeria answers calls for fundamental change with old guard candidates Turnout to Algeria’s elections could be as low as 10%, and any winner is likely to be weak, unable to impose policy without compromise and negotiation. By Simon Speakman Cordall
Iraqi political blocs struggle to meet deadline to replace outgoing PM As the constitutional deadline arrives, Iraqi political parties seem unable to select a new prime minister. By Mustafa Saadoun
Israel to begin exporting gas to Egypt next month In just a few weeks, Egypt should be receiving natural gas from Israel's Leviathan field. By A correspondent in Egypt
Egyptian anti-circumcision group calls for an end to 'male genital mutilation' Several groups in Egypt and the Middle East are calling for an end to male circumcision, saying the risky operation is not justified for medical or religious purposes. By Youssra el-Sharkawy
Israeli citizen stands trial in Jordan as tensions simmer Jordanian-Israeli relations have grown increasingly tense as Jordan tries an Israeli accused to illegally crossing the border and holds a military exercise simulating an Israeli invasion. By Mohammad Ersan
Has Iran's award-winning actress left Iran to escape prosecution? Appearing on a Saudi-funded TV show has led to speculations about the possible decision of Iranian actress Mahnaz Afshar not to go back to her home country. By Rohollah Faghihi
Despite promises and hopes, Gaza's cinemas remain closed The Red Carpet Human Rights Film Festival in Gaza City aims to revive closed film theaters, but there is little progress on the ground. By Ahmad Abu Amer
Iran's regional peace initiative faces major challenges While Oman and Iran may have high hopes for the Hormuz Peace Endeavor, regional security arrangements have typically needed great-power backing to hold them together. By Hamed A. Kermani
How Rouhani and Trump almost reached a deal While hopes have emerged as the result of a prisoner exchange between Iran and the United States, some analysts believe this won't lead to negotiations and a Trump-Rouhani meeting. By Rohollah Faghihi
US set to lean on Saudi Arabia in Florida shooting probe The FBI will rely on Riyadh as it looks into last week's deadly shooting at a naval base. By Jack Detsch
Intel: How this week’s US-sponsored Nile talks buoy Egypt The US administration deepened its involvement in trilateral talks between Egypt, Sudan and Ethiopia over the filling of a massive new dam on the Nile River this week, to Cairo’s relief. By Julian Pecquet
Iran ready for 'comprehensive' prisoner swap with US Archenemies Iran and the United States appeared closer to exchanging all their prisoners, as Tehran said it was "fully ready" for such a swap. By Al-Monitor Staff
European Court’s call to free Turkish philanthropist may fall on deaf ears The European Court of Human Rights has ruled that Turkish philanthropist Osman Kavala must be released in the absence of evidence to support his charges, but legal observers say Ankara is unlikely to comply. By Amberin Zaman In London, reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Artists splash Iraqi protests with vivid imagery Iraq's professional and aspiring artists have taken to the streets with their own weapons: paint, brushes and musical instruments. By Gilgamesh Nabeel
Election 2020: Netanyahu's quest for immunity Unlike the campaigns for elections held in April and September, in the next election cycle the issue of immunity from criminal trial for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will be squarely on the table for his opponents as well as himself to use. By Mazal Mualem In Tel Aviv, reporting on politics
Netanyahu hangs on, drags Israel toward third election Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's insistence on a rotation agreement and Blue and White leader Benny Gantz' rejection of an indicted partner have Israel headed for a third election. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense