Iran education lags despite nominal budget gains Iran’s educational system is under increasing strain as small increases in budget allocations and teacher salaries fail to catch up with chronic deficits. Iran
Egypt to supply Sudan with electricity Egypt announced the completion of a substation in the south of the country that will export electricity to Sudan in exchange for goods. Egypt
Is Egypt isolating Bedouins in south Sinai? Residents of south Sinai are outraged over leaked reports about the government building a fence that would separate the resort city of Sharm el-Sheikh from the rest of the province. Egypt
Palestine sends surgical team to aid struggling Venezuelans The Palestinian Authority has dispatched a medical delegation to Venezuela to offer medical aid for one month, in a step it says is strictly humanitarian and not political. Palestine
Disqualification battle camouflages real danger to Israel: Benjamin Netanyahu Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is exploiting a fraudulent symmetry between Kahane’s racial doctrine and a minority’s struggle for equal rights to incite against Israel’s Arab citizens. Israel
Saudi investment fund hires US PR firm to create distance from crown prince New York-based Karv Communications will be paid $120,000 a month to “create a clear distinction” between the $200 billion fund and its embattled chairman. Saudi Arabia
Turkey dismisses US threat about buying Russian S-400 air defense system Turkey does not appear to be budging from its purchase of S-400 air-defense missiles from Russia despite US threats to cancel delivery of F-35 jets Turkey has ordered. Turkey
US struggles to get European troops for Syria European allies are wary of committing troops for a Syria mission when the Donald Trump administration has given conflicting signals about its engagement in Syria. Syria
Cyberization means it's not your daddy's war anymore New technology is infiltrating the old conflict between Turkey and outlawed Kurdish militants, and soldiers may have to sacrifice their smartphones for safety. Syria
Iran spy services claim infiltration of foreign-based opposition in new series Iran's state broadcaster is airing a documentary series to show off the country’s intelligence services’ infiltration of the foreign-based opposition. Iran
Why artists are speaking up against ‘dirty money’ in Iranian cinema The increasing emergence of “dirty money” in Iranian cinema has sparked an outcry among artists, producers and directors, who are urging action to stop the phenomenon from ruining the industry. Iran
US government no longer excludes MEK as leadership option for Iran The group, once on a State Department list of terrorist organizations, has influential supporters in the Donald Trump administration. United States
As Iran mulls joining financial watchdog, Israel sees win-win situation If Iran joins the FATF anti-money laundering organization, the Islamic Republic might find it harder to fund militant organizations in the region, but if Iran does not join, it may lose what few international banking connections it already has. Israel
Clock winding down on Israel's Bab al-Rahma ultimatum After Palestinians broke open the Bab al-Rahma gate and decided to keep the prayer house open and renovate it, Israel has given them a deadline to close it up again — which isn't expected to happen. Palestine
US diplomats speak out against closure of Palestine mission Several former US diplomats have expressed anger and disappointment over the administration’s decision to merge the mission that handled diplomatic contacts with Palestinians with its new embassy in Jerusalem. Palestine
