Why global and regional powers aren't standing up against Hifter's Libya offensive If major international players could find a common interest in a stable Libya, they might see a simple way out of the seemingly endless wars of post-Gadhafi succession, yet they continue to back opposing factions in Libya. Saudi Arabia
Intel: Why Turkey, Russia are not about to fall out over Idlib Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is accusing the Syrian government of seeking to “sabotage” Turkey’s relations with Russia with its assault on rebel-held Idlib. Syria
Why Iranians doubt the seriousness of Trump's latest offer of talks US President Donald Trump's latest offer of talks with Iran has grabbed more attention than his previous overtures, but Iranian political elites agree that the offer is not sincere. United States
Students rally against hijab crackdown at Iran's largest university Iranian students at Tehran University held protests after what they claim was a new clampdown on dress codes. Iran
Iraq to handle foreign IS fighters' trials Iraq so far is holding roughly a dozen French nationals who fought for the Islamic State. France's response: Keep them. Iraq
Young Egyptian prisoners distance selves from Muslim Brotherhood A group of young members of the Muslim Brotherhood have appealed for dialogue in hopes of a pardon, but many Egyptians are wary of such efforts. Egypt
How will Israel protect its vehicles on Gaza border? Three days after Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades fired a guided missile at an Israeli vehicle, the Israeli army embarked on setting up a new concrete barrier to protect its vehicles in the border areas. Palestine
Egypt tightens control on broadcasts, foreign channels Through a series of legal restrictions, security campaigns and acquisitions, Egypt is increasing government power over foreign media broadcasting outlets. Egypt
PA rejects tax funds deducted by Israel The Palestinian Authority refused Israel’s transfer of deducted tax revenue funds in a bid to recover parts it had earmarked for Palestinian prisoners and families of victims in confrontation with Israel. Palestine
Congressional appropriators move to tie up F-35 deliveries to Turkey The new House foreign aid bill would prohibit spending federal dollars to transfer the jets unless Ankara abandons its plans to buy missile defenses from Moscow. Turkey
Frustrated European allies warn Pompeo against US-Iran escalation European foreign ministers did little to hide their distress that Secretary of State Pompeo abruptly decided to consult them on rising Iran tensions, which they had warned would be a consequence of quitting the nuclear deal. United States
Will Egypt's rappers ever receive rave reviews? Aly Soliman, an Egyptian rapper, seems to have set his sights on the 2020 Grammy Awards, but his country is simply not keen on this music genre. Egypt
Turkey’s repression of media turns violent In the wake of a brutal attack on a Turkish journalist, few believe the official story of a traffic altercation as political violence ravages the country. Turkey
Israeli security: Unrest, despair increasing in West Bank Former IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eizenkot warns that sanctions and despair may soon generate an outburst of violence in the West Bank. Palestine
Can Golan Heights' vultures be saved? Faced with poisoning by cattle breeders, the vultures of the Golan Heights are practically extinct, with only five still alive. Israel
Iran: UAE sabotage incident should be no excuse for US ‘adventurism’ Iran has dismissed President Donald Trump’s offer to talk on the phone, saying if it was genuine, he would have stuck to the nuclear deal. United States
