Desperate Netanyahu could fail to compose government Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of April 2021 is a wounded animal, whose attention is focused on one goal only: saving himself. Israel
Palestinian women still underrepresented on electoral lists Although the Palestinian electoral law has been amended to raise the quota for women's participation in the Palestinian elections from 20% to 26%, Palestinian women continue to be unfairly represented on electoral lists. Palestine
Why train accidents are so frequent in Egypt Despite government efforts to develop the Egyptian railway network, train accidents have become recurrent. Egypt
Will Syrian women get wider representation in opposition? The Syrian opposition is working to empower women and increase their participation at the political level, amid low female representation in official institutions. Syria
Idlib residents resort to virtual coins to make ends meet Residents of the city of Idlib in northwestern Syria have resorted to digital currency to make some money by using only a cellphone connected to the internet. Syria
Abbas faces tough decision on Palestinian elections The pressure is intensifying for President Mahmoud Abbas to postpone the elections, which are becoming a dangerous game for the Israelis and other concerned parties. Palestine
Israel lifts outdoor mask requirement, acquires more vaccine doses A majority of Israelis have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19. News Brief
Erdogan is MENA’s most popular leader, Arab Barometer finds Turkey's promotion of cultural heritage, including through its tourism and entertainment sectors, is one reason for Erdogan's popularity. However, the perception of the Ottoman legacy is gradually shifting from one of praise to one of condemnation toward Turkish policies. News Brief
Bahrain's Gulf Air to offer direct Israel flights starting in June The announcement comes less than a year after the two countries agreed to establish formal ties as part of the Abraham Accords. Bahrain
Turkey nearly leading the world in daily COVID-19 cases Turkish authorities also expanded vaccine eligibility today. News Brief
Turkey’s ruling Islamists dogged by mounting corruption claims Allegations of government corruption are adding to public anger as the economy continues to decline. Turkey
Anbar tribes key to security, political backing ahead of Iraq's October vote Following the introduction of a new electoral law and with many of the region’s population still looking more toward their tribes for protection than the central government, Iraq’s Sunni-dominant Anbar province is likely to be highly affected by tribal relations and figures in the October elections. Iraq
Intel: UN to send cease-fire observers to Libya Libya's interim government welcomed the step and echoed calls for foreign forces to leave. Libya
Syria to hold presidential election denounced by US Syria's upcoming presidential election is widely seen as foregone conclusion keeping President Bashar al-Assad in office. Syria
11 dead in another Egyptian train crash Egypt's rail network suffers from mismanagement and poor maintenance, according to state media outlets. News Brief
Saudi Arabia, Iran held direct talks in bid to ease tensions Talks between the two countries were organized by Iraq's Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi. Iraq
