Remake of Turkey's favorite school flick flunks at the box office Based on novels by the popular author Rifat Ilgaz, the "Chaos Class" film series has been a Turkish favorite for four decades, but a remake of the original comedy has been widely panned. Turkey
Is the Palestinian social fabric at risk of tearing? A recent local incident on the West Bank required the attention of the national leadership to tamp it down, leading some to wonder it if portends trouble ahead for the Palestinian social fabric, which has to this point been distinguished by its unity. Palestine
Syrian government, opposition swap 18 more prisoners Small exchanges of prisoners between the Syrian government and opposition continue in Aleppo province, showing some progress but indicating more cooperation is needed. Syria
Iranian teachers fill gap between state, society after floods Teachers in Iran have played an important role in relief efforts in the wake of recent flooding, shining a light on the impact of Iranians' mistrust of the state. Iran
How the Holocaust became part of Israel’s identity Over the years, the memory of the Holocaust has shaped the new Israeli identity with notions of victimhood rather than lessons of tolerance. Palestine
Trump allies push back on Muslim Brotherhood terror designation Even some hawkish lawmakers question the legal validity and political wisdom of a blanket designation. Egypt
Pakistan steps up efforts to soothe Iran Pakistan is managing to maintain a delicate balance in its foreign relations despite the fierce rivalry between two of its allies, Iran and Saudi Arabia. Legacy: Gulf
Intel: How Russia and Turkey are growing closer at US expense The April 30 phone call between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan covered a broad range of topics, from trade to military cooperation to Syria, as the two countries continue to grow closer amid US-Turkey tensions. Syria
US envoy kicks off Syria safe zone talks in Ankara According to Turkish reports, US Syria envoy Jim Jeffrey discussed the contentious safe zone as well as "operations east of the Euphrates" with officials in Ankara, but deep differences between Turkey and the Syrian Kurds make a deal look just as remote as ever. Syria
Libya signs $2 million lobbying deal as Trump warms to rival strongman The UN-recognized Government of National Accord has signed a massive deal with Mercury Public Affairs as Khalifa Hifter’s forces threaten Tripoli. Libya
Hungarian Jew's role in Holocaust still torments Israelis Six decades after his assassination, the question of whether Israel Kastner was a hero or a villain during the Holocaust continues to torment Israelis. Israel
Iran intensifies nuclear diplomacy but says patience 'running thin' The Iranian Foreign Ministry seems to have launched a fresh drive to salvage the JCPOA, as the future of the country’s oil revenue hangs in the balance due to reinstated US sanctions. United States
Iraq's plans to take census raise controversy The central government's plans to undertake a census late next year have raised the concerns of groups in multicultural Iraqi cities such as Kirkuk. Iraq
Here’s how Iran wants to take its financial system on the blockchain A major project commissioned by the Central Bank of Iran aims to incorporate blockchain technologies in the country’s banking and financial system, and potentially employ a sovereign rial-backed cryptocurrency. Iran
Are Trump, Netanyahu planning to 'buy off' the Palestinians? Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu are responsible for the dire economic straits of the Palestinian Authority, yet they think that an economic package for the Palestinians will achieve two goals: prevent the PA from collapse and get the PA to accept their terms. Palestine
New Knesset convenes in shadow of Netanyahu's legal limbo After the swearing in of Israel's 21st Knesset, the Blue and White party will focus its attacks against the government on the corruption charges facing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Israel
