Gaza lighthouse guides fishermen, sends message A lighthouse in Gaza was recently inaugurated, inspiring hope for Gazans to open up to the world. Palestine
Will Iraq's wetlands join World Heritage List? In order to better protect them, the Iraqi government is pressing for the inclusion of Iraq's wetlands as well as the Ur, Eridu and Uruk archaeological sites on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Iraq
Israeli defense minister moves to muzzle Palestinian voices for peace Defense Minister Avigdor Liberman has revoked the entry permit of Mohammed Madani, who was appointed by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to organize dialogues with Israelis to promote peace. Palestine
Is one of Iran's top diplomats a member of Quds Force? A commander of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed that the country's deputy foreign minister and chief nuclear negotiator Abbas Araghchi is a member of the IRGC's elite Quds Force. Iran
Will Abbas intervene to save Nablus from mayhem? The situation in the streets of Nablus has become very dangerous in light of the chaos and security unrest, while Palestinian officials exploit the situation to settle political scores. Palestine
Will new Palestinian agency be enough to stop violence against women? As more cases of violence against women come to light in the West Bank, the Ministry of Women’s Affairs will be launching a special agency to follow up on such instances and garner statistics to raise public awareness about this phenomenon. Palestine
Activists seek to rein in horse mistreatment on unique Turkish island Mounting criticism over mistreatment of horses could end the carriage trade on Buyukada, a picturesque island near Istanbul that remains off limits to motor vehicles. Turkey
Near Damascus, watch out for missiles, shelling and speeding tickets In a visit to Damascus, Al-Monitor spoke with Syrian officials about the latest developments happening in Syria. Syria
Enforcement of Ramadan laws varies among Palestinian cities Differing enforcement of regulations concerning violating the sanctity of the holy month of Ramadan is a point of potential polarization. Palestine
Former Egypt FM says US election outcome won't dictate US-Arab ties In an interview with Al-Monitor, former Egyptian Foreign Minister Nabil Fahmy says that "the future of Arab-American affairs is 70% controlled by the Arab world and 30% in the hands of the United States," and hence does not depend on the next US president. Saudi Arabia
Has ultra-Orthodox war against Israel's supreme court ended? Shas leaders have been accusing Israeli judges of evil and persecution for years; yet in their battle against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's associate Rami Sadan, they have turned to the court for assistance. Israel
Has 'Bibi, the Magician' lost his magic? Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has uncharacteristically made one misstep after the other. Palestine
Obama administration lays out $56 million plan for Libya The United States is boosting its commitment to the new coalition government in Libya. Libya
How empty water bottles are helping Western Sahara refugees beat desert heat Energy expert Tatah Lehbib is putting his college education to use at home, combining old and new building methods and materials to improve housing conditions for refugees in Algeria. Algeria
What role will Egypt play in Palestine-Israel peace path? Palestinians and Israelis can’t even agree on how to approach peace talks. Palestine
Why Iran still doesn’t trust Russia on Syria Despite its close collaboration with Russia in Syria, Iranian political and military officials are growing increasingly suspicious about Moscow's intentions and long-term strategy. Russia
