What is Merkel's Mideast role in Trump-Putin era?

Against the backdrop of US President Donald Trump’s nationalistic policies, German Chancellor Angela Merkel is being viewed by many as the new leader of the free world and a future key player in the Middle East.

Palestine

What's behind coordinated attacks by Hamas inmates in Israeli jails?

Faced with a huge crisis, Hamas is trying to divert local pressure in the Gaza Strip away from its leadership by increasing unrest among Hamas prisoners in Israel.

Palestine

Is Netanyahu counting on Israel's High Court to save him?

Turkish Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, continuing to avoid his and his party's responsibility for the Regularization law, is hoping the High Court will strike it down.

Palestine

How Circassians maintain identity in changing Golan

Many Circassians who lost their homes in Quneitra, Syria, opened their doors to Al-Monitor at nearby Madinat al-Baath, where they recounted their stories.

Palestine

Is the Palestinian economy trending up?

After two years of sharp decline, the index for industrial production in Palestine rose slightly in 2016.

Palestine

Who profits from Gaza unrest?

Israel is concerned that Hamas is planning a major strategic attack on the Israeli homefront, which would force the IDF to invade Gaza.

Palestine

Hamas insists ties with Iran strong, despite regional polarization

Iran continues to provide financial and military support for Hamas amid a positive atmosphere that promises stronger ties and efforts to defuse the sectarian tension while bilateral meetings between the two are still being held outside Tehran, according to the movement’s representative in Iran.

Palestine

Hamas decries Abbas overreach in setting local elections for spring

Hamas is digging its heels in over an amendment to the elections law that creates a new judicial body for electoral matters by refusing to participate in local Palestinian elections this spring.

Palestine

Does Trump signal golden age for Israeli settlements?

Some are convinced that Israel's right-wing government and the new US administration under Donald Trump offer a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to legalize all West Bank settlements.

Palestine

Nablus' only oud maker keeps city in tune

Through a long career dedicated to the oud, Ali Hassanein has a unique perspective of the ancient and treasured Arab musical instrument.

Palestine

Why king’s visit to Washington was essential for Jordan

King Abdullah’s visit to the United States, where he met with President Donald Trump, helped reassure Jordanians that US military and economic support for the kingdom will continue.

Palestine

Hamas leader: Gaza won't harbor individuals who 'aim to harm Egypt'

Deputy head of Hamas’ political bureau Mousa Abu Marzouk told Al-Monitor that Hamas does "not interfere in Egypt's security affairs" and said some countries had contacted the movement to discuss a prisoner swap deal with Israel.

Palestine