Israeli legal experts join Druze against Nationality Law A group of Israeli legal experts have drafted an amendment to the Nationality Law to codify equality for all citizens. Israel
Can doing nothing bring down Netanyahu? With the days allotted by law for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to form a new government soon to expire, some of his potential partners have adopted a tactic that could mean his political end.. Israel
Activists fear security backlash following controversial Cabinet reshuffle Almost a week after King Abdullah appointed a new General Intelligence Department chief and asked him to deal effectively with anyone who tampers with constitutional foundations, Prime Minister Omar Razzaz reshuffled his Cabinet and appointed a conservative minister of interior, which could signal a return to tough handling of protesters and activists. Jordan
Gaza soda bottler opens West Bank site to deal with siege Pepsi Palestine, based in the Gaza Strip, has opened a new branch in the West Bank in light of the Gaza siege and Israeli restrictions, and some analysts fear such action could contribute to the collapse of the already-fragile economy in Gaza. Palestine
UN demands release of UN expert from ‘illegal detention’ in Tunisia UN expert Moncef Kartas, who is being detained in Tunisia, was charged with treason and espionage and could face the death sentence if found guilty, prompting the UN to call for his release. Tunisia
Why Netanyahu's so quiet on US-Iran conflict Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is being cautious about engaging Israel in the US-Iran tensions, though he would surely not object to an American attack on Iran. Israel
Intel: How Jamal Khashoggi’s fiancee is keeping the pressure on Saudi Arabia Jamal Khashoggi’s fiancee is determined to keep his legacy alive and well — and that starts with making sure Washington holds Saudi Arabia accountable for killing him. Saudi Arabia
Turkey's Saadet Party could sway Istanbul elections Turkey's fundamentalist Saadet Party will run its mayoral candidate in the June 23 repeat election in Istanbul, possibly tipping the results in favor of the opposition party. Turkey
Republicans rush to extinguish Iran war talk GOP lawmakers insist that Trump’s show of force is the best way to prevent an immediate Iranian attack, even as a long-term solution to tensions remains elusive. Congress
Unmoved by government's overtures, Kurds continue hunger strike in Turkey Keen to draw the Kurds to its side ahead of a key election do-over, Ankara allowed jailed Kurdistan Workers Party leader Abdullah Ocalan to see his lawyers in early May, but thousands of inmates still refuse to end their hunger strike. Turkey
If Rouhani’s Europe outreach fails, nuclear deal could collapse The Rouhani administration has pinned its hopes on Europe to save the nuclear deal, and the stakes couldn't be higher. United States
Iranian FM calls military action against Iran 'political suicide' Iran’s foreign minister traveled to Japan to discuss how to reduce tensions in the region and responses to "bullying" from the United States. Iran
The politics behind the visa denial for veteran Palestinian official The State Department denied veteran Palestinian lawmaker Hanan Ashrawi an entry visa, provoking outcry among diplomats and activists. Palestine
Iraqi factions a wild card in US-Iran blame game Armed militias in Iraq will have to determine whether their loyalties lie with their neutral government or against the United States in a standoff with Iran. Iraq
Egypt's architects mobilize against tsunami of high-rise buildings As Egypt's new administrative capital gains momentum, architects caution that new is not necessarily better in urbanization. Egypt
Qatari women link miscarriages to evil eye, jinns When Qatari women miscarry, they have to deal with their grief and psychological scars on their own, often accepting their misfortune as "God's will." Qatar
