Middle Eastern artists give traditional art a modern twist

Bahraini weaving, Palestinian embroidery and Iraqi miniatures are among the traditional art forms being reinvented and adapted by the Middle Eastern artists competing for the fifth edition of the Jameel Prize.

Palestine

Is Trump really so popular in Israel?

Contrary to the popular belief that all Israelis applaud US President Donald Trump's policies, center and left-wing politicians worry that the Trump-Netanyahu axis distances an agreement with the Palestinians and isolates Israel on Iran.

Palestine

Iran to ban new high-water consumption industry in dry regions

Iran is moving to address water usage by its industry, but such measures won't be effective unless use of water in agriculture is tackled too.

Iran

Adviser to Iran's supreme leader outlines steps to boost nuclear program

A key adviser to Iran’s supreme leader outlined a number of recommendations Iran should take to advance its nuclear program capabilities.

United States

Iraq's pro-Iran factions shrug off congressional sanctions push

Asaib Ahl al-Haq and the Hezbollah Brigades have dismissed the effectiveness of possible new US sanctions against them and claim they might even be helpful.

Iraq

Reformists face defeat in competition over Iranian speakership

Incumbent Ali Larijani won the election between moderates and Reformists for the Iranian parliament’s speakership.

Iran

US sanctions threaten Iran’s high hopes for tourism

While the reimposition of US sanctions is likely to damage the revival of Iran’s tourism sector at least in the short term, the country’s ambitious plans to attract foreign visitors should not be written off.

United States

Jordan keeps close tabs on southern Syria amid heightened tensions

With reports that Iranian militias have withdrawn from southern Syria and the army is preparing to launch a military assault against rebels there, Jordan fears the cease-fire agreement could be jeopardized.

Israel

Iranian student stands up to Khamenei, calls for democratization

Iran’s supreme leader met with a group of students and responded to a number of criticisms of his performance.

Iran

Can the EU meet Iran’s expectations for keeping nuclear deal?

As Iran and other remaining signatories to the JCPOA labor to keep the nuclear deal intact, rising regime cohesion amid Ayatollah Khamenei’s outlining of effective “red lines” indicate the predominance of realism in Tehran.

Iran

Putin, Macron explore what they have to offer each other on Iran, Syria

The St. Petersburg International Economic Forum set the stage for French President Emmanuel Macron to pursue a broad agenda and perhaps bring his country and Russia closer regarding Syria and Iran.

Syria

Iran-Israel restraint may hinge on nuclear deal

As tensions between Iran and Israel reach new highs, saving the nuclear deal could be the only path to containing further dangerous escalation in the region.

Israel