How did FIFA become part of Trump’s Gaza reconstruction effort? FIFA signed a deal on Thursday that marks the global soccer association's most significant postwar intervention in the Middle East yet. Palestine
Newsletter: City Pulse Doha Ramadan comes alive in Doha's Msheireb Also this week: throwback food nostalgia, waterfront Ramadan fairs and hands-on art workshops By Reve Chaaban In Doha reporting on culture
Qatar PM arrives in Venezuela on first trip since Maduro’s ouster: What to know Qatar is moving to shore up ties with Venezuela as the US seeks greater control over the South American country’s oil revenues. Qatar
Saudi-UAE rift complicates Israel's counter-Iran efforts, normalization Israel fears that the rivalry between the UAE and Saudi Arabia will further push Riyadh toward countries that espouse political Islam policies. Israel
Newsletter: City Pulse Doha Doha’s MIA showcases Afghanistan beyond headlines By Reve Chaaban In Doha reporting on culture
Newsletter: City Pulse Doha Inside Doha’s Gulf futurism moment By Reve Chaaban In Doha reporting on culture
What are Turkish troops going to do in Qatar? Per a security cooperation agreement between Turkey and Qatar, Turkey will set up a permanent military facility in Qatar. Qatar
The Turkey-Saudi axis against Damascus Will the US support the gains of Islamist opposition in Syria? Saudi Arabia
Turkish military puts brakes on Syrian intervention While a Turkish military operation against Syria is unlikely, Mosul is another story. Legacy: Gulf
Libya looks to Russia for arms Disillusioned with the West, the Libya government is exploring opportunities in Russia and says it is willing to accept limited participation by Islamists that agree to play by the rules. Legacy: Gulf
Will Qatar-Israel relations threaten PA’s relevance in Gaza? Qatar’s engagement with Hamas and Israeli officials on Gaza reconstruction projects has provoked fears in the Palestinian Authority of a usurpation of its power. Legacy: Gulf
Gazans divided over billboards featuring foreign donors The Gaza Strip has grown accustomed to billboards thanking foreign donors for their support, but these billboards have done little to lift the siege on Gaza. United Arab Emirates
10 Middle Eastern writers you should know These 10 female writers are challenging conceptions of women in the Middle East. Saudi Arabia
Qatar’s UN ambassador looks to break barriers H.E. Sheikha Alya Bint Ahmed Bin Saif Al Thani knows how to shake up the status quo but argues that gradual change is the most effective way to advance women in the region. Qatar
Qatar rejects Egypt’s war on terrorism The Egyptian request to carry out, under international cover, airstrikes against Islamic State strongholds in Libya was rejected by Qatar, which reveals the emergence of new alliances in the Middle East. Qatar
Regional events have Hamas in political limbo Various events and unresolved regional crises have fed Hamas' reluctance to forge regional alliances and take decisive positions on developments in the Arab world. Saudi Arabia
Lawmakers prep defense bill, Kerry defends budget A look at the Middle East issues Congress will be addressing the week of Feb. 23. Qatar
Jordan pressured to restrict Muslim Brotherhood Some in Jordan believe the government will not break its historical ties with the Muslim Brotherhood, while others say there will be a crackdown on the group to keep Gulf aid flowing into the kingdom. Legacy: Gulf
