Disappearance of Saudi journalist puts Erdogan in difficult situation The potential for a full-blown crisis between Turkey and Saudi Arabia remains in the cards. Saudi Arabia
Will Egypt opt for controversial steps to fight tax evasion? Economists in Egypt are condemning statements by the head of the Egyptian Tax Authority, whereby the Ministry of Finance might be granted access to the bank accounts of some customers and companies in a bid to reduce tax evasion. Egypt
Aid for Palestinian farmers set to go, farmers cross fingers The Palestinian Authority says it is finally ready to launch a new loan institution to assist farmers, but many suspect it will remain inoperable, like other such entities, for lack of financial resources. Palestine
Ennahda faces new allegations in Tunisian political murders A group of dogged lawyers pursuing evidence in the 2013 assassinations of two Tunisian politicians says it has uncovered new information that incriminates the Ennahda party, though Ennahda categorically denies involvement. Tunisia
Will the PA be able to invest in Area C? Palestinian Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah demanded that the Palestinian Authority be allowed to invest in Area C, considering it a way to achieve development, create jobs and increase the Palestinians' GDP. Palestine
Egyptian film producers turn to war, spies Despite the prolific cinema sector in Egypt, the country’s military and espionage history has hardly featured in films — but this may change. Egypt
Netanyahu’s government engaged in political tracking The Netanyahu government is not only campaigning against left-wing politicians and activists, it is actively engaged in political tracking of the left by means of monitoring online activities and by refusing entry to the country. Israel
Jerusalem craftsman struggles to preserve Palestinian leather tradition Palestinian leatherworker Zuheir Abdul Rahim Daana is still making the crafts of his father and grandfather, but his business is suffering from supply challenges and cheap competition. Palestine
Iran's launch of ‘Look East’ 2.0 The recent Regional Security Dialogue in Tehran is an indication that Iran sees security multilateralism as a mechanism to confront US pressure and maintain the regional balance of power in its favor. Syria
Iranian MPs pass anti-terror funding bill despite death threats Iran has taken an important step in gaining access to the international banking system. Iran
Why Israel’s democracy is weakening Israel gets to keep its rating in democracy indices only because countries like the United States, Hungary and Turkey are losing index points. Israel
Will Khashoggi’s disappearance rock Turkish-Saudi relations? How Turkish President Erdogan discloses the official findings of the investigation into Jamal Khashoggi's disappearance will be crucial in determining the future of Turkish-Saudi ties. Saudi Arabia
Egypt expected to become regional gas hub The Egyptian government has recently announced that the country stopped importing liquefied natural gas and managed to achieve self-sufficiency thanks to the Zohr gas field, raising hopes that Egypt would become a regional gas trading and exporting hub. Egypt
Israel tells Abbas not to inflame Hamas further A Hamas leader accused Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and other Arab states of pushing Israel to wage war on Hamas in the Gaza Strip. Palestine
New coach pledges facelift to Egypt's national soccer team Javier Aguirre tells Al-Monitor that his main challenge is to raise the morale of his team after their defeat in the 2018 World Cup in Russia. Egypt
Russia, Turkey continue tug of war over Idlib despite the agreements As the first deadlines of the Russia-Turkey deal on Idlib draw near, the two countries each seek to push their own agenda while avoiding large-scale conflict. Syria
