Congress tackles aid to Egypt, Palestinians, Syrian rebels A look at the Middle East issues Congress will be addressing the week of Dec. 1. Palestine
Erdogan slams US on Syria again, days after Biden visit Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan calls US "impertinent" on Syria, says West likes seeing Muslim children die; Israel considers extension of Iran nuclear talks as better than a bad deal. Saudi Arabia
What's behind Russia's Mideast strategy? Russia's shrewd policy moves in the Middle East have allowed it to make inroads in unexpected places, such as Egypt and Bahrain. Bahrain
Erdogan turns back on EU membership bid Influential voices in Turkey are worried about the impression that Turkey and the EU are drifting apart and what this will do to Turkey’s political reform process. Turkey
Turkish simits arrive in New York A simit is no longer just ring-shaped sesame bread, but a subtle introduction to Turkish cuisine. Turkey
Islamic State cell strikes Shiites in Saudi Arabia A deadly attack by an Islamic State cell on Saudi Shiites has upped the ante in the jihadists' threat to the Saudi royal family as the guardians of Islam's most holy sites. Gulf
Khamenei not opposed to nuclear extension In a speech, Iran's supreme leader has said that he supports the extension on the nuclear talks but slammed the countries involved in the negotiations. Iran
Turkey's response to measles outbreak questioned Some believe the Turkish government is downplaying a measles outbreak compounded by the arrival of Syrian refugees despite warnings by World Health Organization and Turkish medical experts. Syria
Lebanese army makes strides in Tripoli With its success in Tripoli, the Lebanese army is proving itself as the only military institution in the state able to confront terrorism. Lebanon
To promote wins against IS, Iran's Soleimani emerges Quds Force Cmdr. Qasem Soleimani has been advising Iraqi Shiite militias with some success in the fight against the Islamic State. Iraq
Gaza's pregnant women suffer With the high number of wounded individuals during the last Israeli offensive against Gaza, doctors were often unable to attend to pregnant women giving birth or experiencing complications before and after deliveries. Palestine
Iraqi artist's work spans East, West In an interview with Al-Monitor, Iraqi artist Ahmed Alsoudani talks about his humble beginnings and his rise to prominence in the global art world. Iraq
Egyptians struggle to return to Libya Egyptian nationals would rather go to Libya for the chance to find work than live in poverty in their own country. Egypt
Houthis’ advance threatens Red Sea countries Red Sea countries are sounding the alarm as to the possible Houthis takeover of Bab al-Mandeb strait, by issuing initiatives to preserve the security of these states. Yemen
Israel denies residency to Arab Israelis' Palestinian spouses Israel's denial of residency permits keeps its Arab citizens from reuniting with their Palestinian spouses in Israel. Palestine
Why geopolitical shifts dictate nuclear deal with Iran A nuclear deal could end the region's 35-year cold war and bolster cooperation among the GCC states and Iran. Iran
