Culture Alert: October dominated by film festivals in Middle East

A number of film festivals, from short films to documentaries, take place in Beirut, Tehran, Haifa and Istanbul throughout October — where many of the regional countries’ nominees for Oscars will be screened.

Israel

Why IDF chief commuted Hebron shooter's sentence

IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eizenkot commuted the sentence of Hebron shooter Elor Azaria, not as a sign of pardon but for Israeli society to heal.

Palestine

Israeli, Palestinian environmentalists aren't waiting on Trump peace plan

While politicians and diplomats rethink their strategies, the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict perpetuates pollution of air and water in the region.

Palestine

24 years after Oslo, Palestinians still bet on US role in peace process

Twenty-four years into the signing of the Oslo Accord, the Palestinian Authority continues to bet that the United States will sponsor the peace process between the Israelis and Palestinians.

Palestine

Palestinians react to opening of first US military base in Israel

The Sept. 18 announcement of the establishment of the first permanent US-Israeli military base in the Negev desert, in southern Israel, is evidence of the strategic military cooperation between the Americans and Israelis.

Palestine

Fatah pressures Abbas to change strategy

After US President Donald Trump's speech at the United Nations, many Palestinian leaders are advancing the idea of a binational state to pressure Israel and the United States into negotiating a two-state solution.

Palestine

Israel's highest court in spotlight as right celebrates 50 years of settlement

Instead of clarifying that they are against the government’s occupation policy, Israeli centrist and leftist politicians apologized for avoiding the ceremony celebrating the settlement enterprise.

Palestine

Arab states coordinate efforts to block Israel's UN Security Council bid

Arab League member states have formed a committee aimed at preventing Israel from obtaining a seat on the UN Security Council in next year's elections, yet some argue the move comes too late in light of Israel's extensive outreach to gain support.

Near East

Iraqi citizens' sentiment may be softening toward Israel

Grass-roots support for improved communications seems to be growing in both Iraq and Israel, though officially they have no diplomatic relations.

Iraq

Ultra-Orthodox play long game with Sabbath soccer debate

Israel's Ultra-Orthodox may not really be bothered by soccer being played on the Sabbath, but the complaint offers useful leverage for other political demands.

Israel

Israel unsure about 'day after' Abbas, and even 'day before'

The latest Israeli intelligence assessment raises concerns about explosions of violence not only in Gaza, but also in the West Bank in light of the diplomatic stalemate and uncertainty surrounding President Mahmoud Abbas' remaining time in office.

Palestine

Settlement attack reignites counterterror debate in Israel

The attack at the Har Adar settlement by a 37-year-old Palestinian destabilizes assessments by Israeli security agencies over the profile of potential Palestinian assailants.

Palestine