Iraq reignites after ‘deadline’ expires and protesters killed Protesters have once again turned out en masse in recent days across southern and central Iraq and tensions are flaring shortly after protesters were killed trying to push toward the Iranian Embassy on a Baghdad bridge Jan. 17. Iraq
Archaeology clashes with development in Turkey's ancient city of Sagalassos Excavated since 1990 by Belgian and Turkish archaeologists, Sagalassos offers not only a visit through majestic Roman monuments but also a glimpse on how people lived, worked, worshipped and died in the past. Turkey
Meet the dismissed sports host who challenged Iran’s state TV Popular sports host Adel Ferdosipour, who recently witnessed his show being taken off the air by hardliners in the state TV, has now launched a new show on the internet. Saudi Arabia
Iran's top cultural event jeopardized by artist boycotts Following a series of announced boycotts, including by the Iranian director Massoud Kimiai, this year's Fajr International Film Festival announced the cancellation of its opening ceremony in a gesture of solidarity with the families of the people killed when Iran-fired missiles struck a Ukrainian airliner. Iran
Russia’s 'leading from behind' strategy on Libya Russia’s Libya policy is less about Libya and more about Europe, hence Moscow’s preference to let the Europeans take the public lead on the conflict. Syria
Algeria strives to regain prominence as world powers debate Libya's future Despite Algeria's best efforts, nine years of conflict in neighboring Libya have essentially brought an international proxy war to Algiers' doorstep. United Arab Emirates
What reopening the Eliyahu Hanavi Synagogue means for Egypt There are hardly enough Jews in Alexandria to form a quorum to hold prayers, making the renovation and reopening of the oldest synagogue in Egypt all the more meaningful to the country's Jewish community. Egypt
Egypt advises Iraq to expel US, other forces in bid for stability Egypt is recommending that Baghdad expel all foreign forces, including those of the United States, from Iraqi territory following the US drone strike that killed Iran’s top Quds Force commander, Qasem Soleimani, at the Baghdad airport. Egypt
Why Egypt is amending its terrorism law Draft law amendments have been approved in order to effectively counter terrorism and terrorism financing in Egypt, but opponents argue the measures are unconstitutional. Originals
Palestinian activists seek climate justice under occupation Although climate change is affecting the whole region, it seems Palestine is more vulnerable due to the political situation and Israeli policies against the Palestinians. Palestine
Iraqi minorities concerned about possible US troop withdrawal Iraqi minorities are afraid that rising tensions between Iran and the United States might end the US troop presence in the country. Iraq
Iraq’s sidelined Sunnis weigh options amid US-Iran conflict Iraq’s Sunni politicians, who are facing great challenges in managing areas still recovering from the damage caused by the Islamic State, worry that Iran-US tensions will have an added negative effect. Iraq
Turkey’s Libya strategy: cure has become worse than disease The only positive outcome of Turkey’s "tension strategy" on Libya has been paving the way for the Berlin Libya conference on Jan. 14. Turkey
Pentagon set to ramp up student vetting after Pensacola shooting Foreign military students in the United States will face new restrictions after the shooting at a Florida naval base in December. Saudi Arabia
Israeli right-wing once again putty in Netanyahu's hands Instead of heading a secular-religious list and attracting moderate right-wing voters, New Right leader Naftali Bennett finds himself at the head of a party that includes right-wing extremists. Israel
Who is Israel commemorating at Holocaust remembrance event? Israeli and Jewish politicians and wheeler-dealers are turning Holocaust remembrance events into a political mingling arena. Israel
