Feature Syria Golan detentions fuel fury at Israeli forces, doubts in new government Israeli forces have detained hundreds of Syrians and continue to conduct strikes and incursions in Quneitra, fueling resentment among residents who say Damascus has failed to protect them. By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Fresh clashes leave 6 dead in Iran's Sistan and Baluchistan: What to know Iran is experiencing worsening violence in the southeast amid the broader regional conflict and following a dispute over the environmental impact of a gold mine. Iran
Israel election committee bars two Arab lists from upcoming vote: What to know Israel's Central Elections Committee barred the Arab-majority Raam party, the Arab joint list party and two Arab politicians from participating in the Oct. 27 elections. Israel
Third Sunni cleric killed in Iran’s Sistan and Baluchistan Province: What to know Iran says it is stepping up its crackdown on armed groups in the impoverished province as Sunni clerics have been reported killed there and in the predominantly Kurdish northwest. Iran
Analysis How Jewish politician joining Arab party could reshape Israeli politics By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
Analysis Why Iran is intensifying wartime crackdown in restive Baluchistan By A correspondent in Tehran In Tehran, reporting on politics
Interview PJAK leader mocks Iran’s claim Turkey spiked US Kurdish-backed regime-change plan Siamand Moeini PJAK Executive Council Member
Why Israel’s culture minister defended Haifa’s Christians Christians in Haifa demanded that the McJesus sculpture be removed from the Haifa Museum of Art, but they certainly did not ask for provocative Culture Minister Miri Regev to intervene. Israel
Najaf Shiites launch solidarity initiative with Sunni areas Religious figures from Najaf have developed an initiative for dialogue and cooperation with the Sunni provinces liberated from Islamic State. Iraq
Changes expected in Palestinian Knesset representation There appears to be a good chance that the Joint List will not be the only party vying to represent the interests of Palestinian citizens of Israel in April elections for the next Knesset. Palestine
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
Activist’s murder in Tunisia attests to racism’s grip Tunisia’s new law against racism needs substantial backup in the form of cultural change. Tunisia
Patriarch grants Ukrainian Church independence at Istanbul mass The spiritual leader of the world’s Orthodox faithful recognized a new national church of Ukraine, marking a historic split with Moscow amid a broader geopolitical dispute. Turkey
The Israeli ultra-Orthodox paradox: earning little, feeling rich The ultra-Orthodox population in Israel is considered poor by economic measurements, but its members do not feel poor in part due to their consumption habits and solidarity networks. Israel
Iraq's grand Sunni mufti forbids participation in New Year's celebrations Clerics who issued fatwas against participation in New Year's celebrations come up against a wave of criticism. Iraq
UN seeks to raise awareness of bias against African-Iraqis Iraqis of African descent seem to be making progress, albeit slowly, against discrimination, with the UN's help. Iraq
What Israel’s election should actually be about The issues of ending the occupation, the democratic nature of Israel and relations with American Jewry should dominate the election campaign no less than the character of the political actors seeking office, but they likely will not. Palestine
Copts once again fall victim to deadly violence in Egypt In an area of Egypt known for violence against Coptic Christians, a father and son were recently slain, allegedly by an Egyptian who was supposed to be guarding a church. Egypt
US genocide law triggers mixed feelings among Iraqis US President Donald Trump has signed legislation calling for greater support for religious minorities victimized by the Islamic State. Iraq
