Syria's draft constitution: Separation of powers, territorial unity and Islamic jurisprudence After more than a week of uncertainty amid violent clashes and Israeli strikes, Syria's interim president has signed a constitutional declaration. Syria
US green lights $95 million in aid for Lebanon’s army The Trump administration made an exception to its foreign assistance freeze for a $95 million aid package headed to Lebanon's armed forces. Lebanon
Canceled Syrian justice workshop sparks repression fears: What to know Syrian civil society organizations condemned the sudden cancelation of a planned workshop on transitional justice in Damascus, calling it an act of oppression reminiscent of the Assad era. Syria
Lebanon’s government wins confidence vote ahead of Aoun’s visit to Saudi Arabia The Lebanese parliament gave their backing to the new government's ministerial statement, which excluded acknowledgement of Hezbollah, days before President Aoun is set to visit Saudi Arabia. Lebanon
Interview NATO deepens engagement with Iraq as US prepares to withdraw Commander of NATO Mission Iraq Lucas Schreurs
Education key battleground as Rouhani’s second term begins As President Hassan Rouhani begins his second term, education emerges as a key political battleground. Iran
Iraq's Hakim moves out of Iran's shadow Ammar al-Hakim has left Iraq's Supreme Islamic Council and formed a new political party against Iran's wishes, indicating he is adopting an independent stance. Iraq
Will EU take the lead on two-state solution? The European Union is developing a new Middle East policy, which will not depend on the Trump administration. Palestine
Russia offers outline for Syrian constitution Russia’s three-pronged plan for Syria’s constitution addresses secular and Kurdish concerns, as well as governmental structure, including limits on presidential power. Syria
Will presidential referendum kill Turkey's democracy? Turkish voters have a chance to avert the country’s descent into a party-state autocracy in a referendum, after parliament approved constitutional amendments to install a presidential regime. Turkey
What's in store at Paris peace conference? Three working groups for the Paris Middle East conference are preparing an incentive package for Israelis and Palestinians with the hope of enticing them to reopen negotiations. Palestine
Is Turkey going to reinstate the caliphate? Erdogan’s populist slogan “National will demands this” is pulling the country into a quagmire. Turkey
Can Iraq's parliament regulate the country's tribes? The Iraqi parliament has discussed the proposal of the law on the Council of Tribes and Clans, which will be voted on in early 2017. Iraq
Has Fatah abandoned its founding principles? The seventh Fatah congress only further confirmed that Fatah is a ruling party, not a liberation movement. Palestine
New UN secretary-general considers special mission to Palestine New UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres will present innovative and proactive ideas for the United Nations to deepen its involvement in advancing the two-state solution. Palestine
Are Libyans abandoning democracy in search of stability? More and more democratically elected governments in Libyan localities are being replaced by military rule. Libya
Egyptians ponder: How much military control is too much? Some Egyptians fear the military’s involvement in the Supply Ministry will lead to wider military control, while others think it is the solution to corruption. Egypt
