Can Russia, France work together to settle Idlib?

Moscow, Paris and Berlin have recently intensified talks over Syria's Idlib, but so far there's been more disagreement and defeated expectations than consent and progress.

Jordan

The genesis of a Palestinian medical boycott

While the decision to stop new Palestinian referrals to Israeli hospitals will save the government $100 million a year, the call was a middle-ground agreement and will not be easy on the most vulnerable.

Palestine

Failed Yemeni talks shatter hopes of Yemenis' financial recovery

Residents of Houthi-controlled Sanaa pinned their hopes on a recent meeting between Yemen’s warring sides to solve economic crises as the country’s Central Bank remains divided, but no solution was found and differences remain.

Saudi Arabia

Activists fear security backlash following controversial Cabinet reshuffle

Almost a week after King Abdullah appointed a new General Intelligence Department chief and asked him to deal effectively with anyone who tampers with constitutional foundations, Prime Minister Omar Razzaz reshuffled his Cabinet and appointed a conservative minister of interior, which could signal a return to tough handling of protesters and activists.

Jordan

King Abdullah vows to complete restoration of Church of Holy Sepulchre

Jordan’s King Abdullah shocked many when he vowed May 7 to help complete the restoration of the Christians’ most important church in Jerusalem.

Palestine

Jordan wary of Trump’s plan to label Muslim Brotherhood terrorist body

Jordanian King Abdullah seems keen to unite the domestic front ahead of the unveiling of the US peace plan, despite past differences with the Muslim Brotherhood.

Jordan

PA wants to break free from reliance on Israeli electricity

Jordan and the Palestinian Authority are about to sign an agreement under which the kingdom would supply electricity to the West Bank.

Palestine

Saudis’ troubled ties in region threaten Trump's anti-Iran agenda

The Trump administration is tightening the screws on Iran, but Saudi Arabia, Iran's archnemesis, may not be of help drumming up support for the US policy given the state of its current relations in the Arab world.

Gulf

Frustrated Jordanians work off daily woes in rage rooms

A rage room in Amman helps Jordanians cope with their frustration by smashing things in a safe space.

Jordan

Trump allies push back on Muslim Brotherhood terror designation

Even some hawkish lawmakers question the legal validity and political wisdom of a blanket designation.

Egypt

New name, same old problems: Syria talks kick off in Kazakh capital

The name of the venue for the Syria peace talks may have changed from Astana to Nursultan, but the challenges the participants faced were familiar ones.

Jordan

Bookworms entice Jordanians to read by handing out sweets

Despite campaigns to popularize reading by locals and UNESCO, the high price of books puts them out of many Jordanians' reach.

Jordan