Will Palestinian place where Jesus was baptized become World Heritage Site? Palestinians are seeking to register the western side of the Baptism Site on the Jordan River as a World Heritage Site. Palestine
How Libyans are reviving their heritage, one building at a time In the absence of a strong central government, Libya’s historical religious and cultural sites are being destroyed and looted by militias and Salafists alike. Libya
Syrian refugees act out their stories in 'The Caravan' 'The Caravan,' a play based on Syrian refugees' testimonies, will begin touring Lebanon in June. Lebanon
Syrian youth take the stage in Alexandria To mark the end of a successful project to teach and promote artistic skills among young Syrian refugees in Egypt, the Library of Alexandria hosted a celebration complete with performances by participants and UNICEF-affiliated artists. Egypt
Is Russia readying for the kill in Syria? Russia is likely preparing for a major assault on Jabhat al-Nusra and affiliated groups in Aleppo and elsewhere in Syria. Syria
Is Sisi selling Egypt to Saudis? Egyptian lawyers and activists voice concerns over President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi’s decision broadening the rights of Saudi nationals to own real estate in Egypt. Saudi Arabia
Clinton dumps on Trump Democratic front-runner Hillary Clinton, in a foreign policy speech in San Diego on June 2, honed the case for her candidacy down to the narrow and compelling argument that Donald Trump is unfit to be commander in chief. United States
Is Iranian parliament warming up to Rouhani? Iranian President Hassan Rouhani appears to be the winner following Ali Larijani's re-election as Iran's parliament speaker for the third time. Iran
Is Erdogan against birth control? The latest manifestation of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s pronatalist agenda insists that Muslim families refrain from using birth control. Turkey
US election 2016: Make-or-break time for Clinton in California Here's what happened on the campaign trail the week of May 30. United States
Why is Erdogan threatening showdown on EU visa waiver? The EU's visa waiver promise to Ankara concerns a relatively small number of Turks who have little sway on Erdogan's political aspirations. Turkey
Why Israel rejected Paris peace conference Israel had hoped that the Paris conference initiative will fade away, the way the French initiative for a UN resolution on Palestinian statehood was sidelined. Palestine
What's next after Germany's Armenian genocide resolution? The German parliament's historic resolution on the Armenian genocide led to predictable responses from Ankara while creating further uncertainty in Turkey's relations with the West. Turkey
How the Islamic State is winning the media war Is covering the Islamic State’s activities a legitimate public service or just propaganda that serves the extremist group? Iraq
Young Gazans juggle their jobs with circus performances The only circus school in Gaza is popular with patrons, and performers say they've gained confidence and friends from the experience. Palestine
Major regime offensive looms over Aleppo Aleppo and its countryside are under heavy shelling by the regime as observers fear this a prelude to a major siege of the city's opposition-controlled areas. Syria
