Explainer Saudi Arabia, Turkey advance plans to revive historic Hejaz Railway Turkish and Saudi officials signed agreements as part of a Turkish push to revive the Hejaz Railway linking Turkey to the Gulf through Syria, Jordan and Saudi Arabia. Turkey
Culture 10 MENA teams at 2026 World Cup: Morocco eyes title, Iran faces visa hurdles Jordan is competing in its first World Cup, while Iraq is making only its second appearance, as teams from the region seek to advance against European and Latin American powerhouses. Iran
Israel energy minister says gas flowing to Egypt, Jordan despite shutdown reports Israeli Energy Minister Eli Cohen told Al-Monitor that despite security concerns and partial shut down of marine gas platforms, Israel continues to supply gas to Egypt, Jordan and Israeli consumers. Israel
Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Qatar to deepen security ties amid Iran war: What to know Gulf states and Jordan are aligning more closely as Iranian attacks persist. Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia's mounting security challenges Saudi Arabia's battle in Yemen and conflicts with Iran, coupled with the fall in the price of oil, point to a trying 2016 for the kingdom. Legacy: Gulf
Jordan’s Syria blacklist blasted by key players Wide criticism has already emerged of the Jordanian list of terrorist groups in Syria, and some observers believe the initiative never had a chance. Saudi Arabia
Looking for a better divorce settlement, Jordanian Christian men convert to Islam Christian women in Jordan are at the mercy of Shariah courts over child custody when their husbands convert to Islam. Jordan
Artist paints scathing picture of Jordan rape law In her most recent exhibition, Jordanian painter Rand Abdelnur condemns Article 308 of Jordan’s penal code, which offers rapists escape from punishment through marrying their victims. Jordan
Iran's military bulks up with new Russian tanks Tehran plans to purchase T-90 tanks from Russia, but is it enough to strengthen the Iranian military? Saudi Arabia
Why is Israel recruiting so many Jordanian workers? Israel is recruiting hundreds of Jordanian workers and dismissing some Palestinians from their jobs, raising questions about Israel's motivation. Israel
Turkey misfires in Iraq Turkey’s military deployment near Mosul provokes widespread opposition and sends Russia-Turkey ties into a further downward spiral; Turkey’s Kurds face "unrealistic prospect" for democracy; Barzani on the spot as a result of KRG alignment with Turkey; Russia slams Saudi hosting of Syrian opposition. Saudi Arabia
US presidential candidates speak out on Syria The leading US presidential candidates have differing positions on Syria, combating the Islamic State and the admission of Syrian refugees to the United States. Jordan
Is UNHCR in Jordan discriminating against Sudanese refugees? Sudanese refugees in Jordan have been protesting what they see as the UNHCR discriminating between them and Syrian and Iraqi refugees. Jordan
Congress threatens to shut down government over Syrian refugees A look at the Middle East issues Congress will be addressing the week of Nov. 30. Iraq
Are Turkey, Saudi Arabia pressuring Jordan on terror blacklist? Jordan has been tasked with overseeing which groups fighting in Syria are designated as terrorist organizations, but its mission is complicated by alliances in the region. Saudi Arabia
In quest for statehood, Palestinians prepare security plans Preparing for statehood, Palestinian officials presented detailed security plans and strategies to retired American Gen. John Allen when he came for security talks in 2013-2014 as part of the Kerry peace talks. Palestine
