Iraqi court suspends Abadi's act to pull Fayadh from posts

A court ruling puts Faleh al-Fayadh back at the helm of Iraq's National Security Council and the Popular Mobilization Units, at least for now.

Iraq

Will Iran drive its musicians off the streets?

The Iranian authorities are considering to permits for street performers, but musicians say it goes against the very spontaneous nature of their work.

Iran

Middle East pins Oscar hopes on young directors

From Lebanon to Egypt to Tunisia, regional countries' Academy Awards nominees for best foreign language film are mostly the works of young directors and center on the lives of young adults and children.

Egypt

Intel: How the latest sanctions on the Taliban target Iran

Saudi Arabia

Will Iran’s Reformists succeed in gathering all factions under one roof?

Iranian Reformists are gathering forces to form a new assembly. But while some think it could be a chance for a democratic entity to represent the movement, others argue that Reformists need to reconnect with society rather than forming new bodies.

Iran

Cracks appear within Rouhani's inner circle as VP 'signals departure'

Speculations are once again rife that Iran's first vice president might be resigning after he complained about lack of authority.

Iran

Iran braces for more general strikes as budget negotiations in sight

The recent string of strikes in Iran appeared geared to extract more concessions ahead of budget negotiations.

Iran

Khashoggi killing undercuts Trump campaign against Iran

The US campaign to convince the world to cut off Iran has taken a hit two weeks before oil sanctions are set to kick in.

Saudi Arabia

Iran's Supreme Court upholds death sentences for corruption

Iran’s Supreme Court upheld the death sentences of two individuals charged with economic crimes in what the judiciary hopes is a “warning” to others.

Iran

US warns Lebanon that Hezbollah Cabinet pick would cross ‘red line’

The Trump administration might take limited measures that are not likely to alter the fundamentals of US policy in Lebanon should Hezbollah get the Health Ministry in the new Cabinet formation.

Lebanon

Tehran set for yet another mayor amid Reformist infighting

Tehran is set to get yet another mayor amid ongoing infighting among the Reformists. The question is whether the next internal mayoral vote will put an end to the bickering.

Iran

Khamenei instructs Iranian scholars to look eastward

In a speech, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei encouraged young scientists to look east rather than west for academic connections.

Iran