Turkish opposition media ridicule pre-election 'bribe' With an eye on the March elections, the Turkish government, under the lead of the Justice and Development Party, is providing citizens with relief from credit card debt — a move the opposition deems bribery. Turkey
Video: Egypt's 'widows' village' Al-Monitor travelled to southern Egypt to visit Samaha, a village is billed as a place where divorced and widowed women can begin a new life — with some help from the government. Egypt
Cairo food carts get street of their own Street carts selling food, books and handmade products come together on Cairo's Street 306, a new, hip space that could become the Arab world's largest food venue. Egypt
Congress plans new challenge to president’s war powers amid Syria pullout Rep. Barbara Lee, D-Calif., is looking for allies on her latest push to end the 2001 war authorization that the Donald Trump administration uses to fight terrorism in the Middle East. Syria
Gulf states slowly warm to Damascus Gulf states are turning their backs on supporting armed groups in Syria and preparing to re-engage the government in Damascus. Legacy: Gulf
Iran national security adviser says Europe missed chance to save nuclear deal A top Iranian official has explicitly stated for the first time that Europe's window to uphold its commitments under the Iran nuclear deal has closed. Iran
Fiasco in Ankara: Turkish-US friction on Syria back to square one US national security adviser John Bolton was snubbed by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan because of the Trump administration's demands that Kurds not be harmed after the United States withdraws most of its troops. Syria
Hamas, PA suspicious of Israel's new webcast Israel wants to win the hearts and minds of Palestinians through internet radio, something that isn't being well received by West Bank and Gaza Strip leaders. Palestine
Iranians slam new EU sanctions as JCPOA hangs in balance Iran has condemned new EU sanctions targeting its Intelligence Ministry over alleged assassination plots, especially as they are imposed at a time when Tehran is still awaiting a long-stalled European payment mechanism to circumvent US sanctions. United States
What’s next for Lebanon’s yellow vests? Analysts believe the momentum recently seen in protests against Lebanon’s state incompetence will die out, as people are losing hope. Lebanon
If US backtracks in Syria, Iraq hopes to fill its shoes Iraq is expanding its relations with the Syrian government, seeking a strong position as the conflict resolves. Iraq
Turks losing trust in religion under AKP Turkish society is demonstrably distancing itself from religion in what some scholars see as quiet resistance to its power and privilege under the Islamist ruling party. Turkey
Report slams Jordanian governments for gross failure Jordan’s Economic and Social Council issued a report that highlighted the failure of Jordanian governments over the past 18 years to live up to their promises and meet the people’s economic needs. Jordan
Egypt pledges continued crackdown after bomb attacks Egyptian security forces are on high alert in the wake of apparent terror attacks during the Coptic Christmas season. Egypt
Christians rejoice as Egypt forms committee to combat sectarianism President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi announced the formation of a committee tasked with fighting sectarianism, a move widely welcomed by both Christians and Muslims in Egypt. Egypt
Turkey's 'horse whisperer' races ahead at the box office A cinematic homage about the record-breaking racehorse Bold Pilot and his jockey is filling Turkish theaters and bringing audiences to tears. Turkey
