New poll underlines Iranian disappointment with US, nuclear deal A year after the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) was signed, most Iranians still support it, but a large majority lacks confidence that the United States will carry out its obligations and believes Washington is trying to prevent other countries from normalizing trade relations with the Islamic Republic. Iran
Why Iraq needs the Popular Mobilization Units in fight against IS Given the critical role of the PMU to date, its participation in upcoming battles against IS seems inevitable. Iraq
Saudi prince's endorsement of MEK angers Iranian officials Prince Turki bin Faisal Al Saud’s attendance at the annual meeting of the People’s Mujahedeen of Iran has angered Iranian officials and media. Saudi Arabia
What Turkey fails to understand about IS Conspiracy theories keep Turkey’s new ruling class in a bubble of self-delusion, blinding them to the bitter and complex realities that Turkey faces. Turkey
Turkey's artists face growing government pressure Freedom of expression in the arts and entertainment have been under mounting government pressure to toe the AKP's conservative line or face sanctions. Turkey
Following reconciliation with Israel, will Turkey revive ties with Cairo next? While Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim expressed the desire for his country and Egypt to become closer politically and economically, Egyptian officials have reservations in this regard. Egypt
How the IRGC is trying to tighten its grip on Rouhani A controversial bill on eligibility for appointment to “sensitive" positions would give the IRGC's Intelligence Organization vetting authority parallel with that of Iran's Intelligence Ministry. Iran
Why Israeli watermelons are making headlines in Gaza As local watermelon supplies dwindle, the Ministry of Agriculture in Gaza has allowed the import of watermelons from Israel and lifted an eight-year ban to cover the daily consumption of nearly 600 tons. Palestine
Will US funders shell out for new political party in Israel? Former Defense Minister Moshe Ya'alon has begun laying the groundwork for his own party to offer a more moderate alternative to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Israel
Netanyahu distracts public, buys time with Egypt talks Facing another police probe, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is directing the public's attention to a possible summit in Cairo with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. Palestine
What do recent attacks mean for future of Egypt's Christians? Sectarian attacks against Christians in Egypt have increased recently, with the police downplaying these incidents that go largely unreported in the mainstream media. Egypt
Jabhat al-Nusra 'al-Qaeda's largest formal affiliate in history' Testimony by US official comes as Amnesty International report documents “abduction, torture and summary killings” committed by Jabhat al-Nusra and allied Syrian armed groups. Egypt
Is Egypt’s Sisi hoping for Trump win? Although Donald Trump's stance on the Muslim Brotherhood is in line with that of Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, the presumptive Republican nominee's statements on Muslims in general have decreased his popularity in Egypt. Egypt
Iraqis look to get ahead on keffiyeh fashion The headdress worn by Iraqi men has become the embodiment of Arab prestige and a status symbol worn not only by ordinary citizens, but also by politicians and dignitaries who use it to profess their political and social standing. Iraq
US election 2016: Hillary dodges email server bullet The FBI exonerated Hillary Clinton on the email scandal, but Republicans are no less hungry to make the Democratic presidential candidate pay for her "extremely careless" actions. United States
Egypt’s rap sheet of rights abuses gets longer Despite recently winning a seat on the UN Human Rights Council, Egypt has been broadly criticized for austere measures that violate civil rights, and a new report adds further documentation. Egypt
