PA wants to break free from reliance on Israeli fuel

Following the rupture of US-Palestinian ties and Israeli violations to the Paris Protocol, the PA is moving forward with its plan to break free from reliance on Israeli fuel, particularly since the financial crisis requires purchasing fuel at cheaper prices.

Palestine

Israel campaigns against Abbas ahead of Bahrain conference

Even before the Bahrain conference started, Israel is busy explaining why Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas is no partner for a peace process.

Bahrain

After 50 years, Israel opens up 'Land of the Monasteries’

Israel was late in recognizing the potential of the Qasr al-Yahud site, but it hopes to do better now that the region is cleared of landmines and will open to the public.

Israel

Despite US pressure, expect regional players to phone in Manama meeting

Several regional states will show up for the US-led conference in Bahrain, but none of them really believes it will promote Middle East peace.

Saudi Arabia

Why Arabs are pressuring PA to take part in Bahrain summit

Some Arab countries are placing political and financial pressure on the Palestinian Authority to reconsider its rejection of the Bahrain economic workshop, which the United States is holding later this month to kick off its peace plan.

Gulf

Why Jordan is silent on Bahrain summit

Jordan has yet to officially announce its position on the US-sponsored Bahrain economic conference that is to kick off the long-awaited US Middle East peace plan.

Bahrain

Palestinian Authority gearing up for unrest amid financial crisis

Israel has approved the transfer of light armored military vehicles to the West Bank amid fears of the Palestinian Authority's economic collapse.

Palestine

Can Russia, France work together to settle Idlib?

Moscow, Paris and Berlin have recently intensified talks over Syria's Idlib, but so far there's been more disagreement and defeated expectations than consent and progress.

Jordan

The genesis of a Palestinian medical boycott

While the decision to stop new Palestinian referrals to Israeli hospitals will save the government $100 million a year, the call was a middle-ground agreement and will not be easy on the most vulnerable.

Palestine

Failed Yemeni talks shatter hopes of Yemenis' financial recovery

Residents of Houthi-controlled Sanaa pinned their hopes on a recent meeting between Yemen’s warring sides to solve economic crises as the country’s Central Bank remains divided, but no solution was found and differences remain.

Saudi Arabia

Activists fear security backlash following controversial Cabinet reshuffle

Almost a week after King Abdullah appointed a new General Intelligence Department chief and asked him to deal effectively with anyone who tampers with constitutional foundations, Prime Minister Omar Razzaz reshuffled his Cabinet and appointed a conservative minister of interior, which could signal a return to tough handling of protesters and activists.

Jordan

King Abdullah vows to complete restoration of Church of Holy Sepulchre

Jordan’s King Abdullah shocked many when he vowed May 7 to help complete the restoration of the Christians’ most important church in Jerusalem.

Palestine