Did concert in Iranian holy city topple an ayatollah's ban on music? The singer Hesameddin Seraj gave the first concert in many, many years in Mashhad, a city known for its religious heritage, leading to speculation about more concerts to come. Iran
Is a storm brewing for Turkey in Idlib? The increasing presence of jihadis in the last remaining opposition enclave is giving Bashar al-Assad a pretext to threaten an attack on the region where Turkish forces are also deployed. Syria
Ankara’s eyes on Idlib as Astana group gathers in Sochi Representatives from Turkey, Russia and Iran are reportedly meeting in Sochi to discuss the Syrian conflict, and Iran's presence in the war-torn area seems to figure prominently. Syria
Caution and doubt in Iran as Trump offers direct dialogue In Iran, political heavyweights respond to US President Donald Trump's sudden offer of "unconditional" talks. U.S.
Turkey becomes more dependent on Russia due to Idlib Ankara has not reacted to large Russian arms shipments to Armenia as Turkey’s current priority is preserving security cooperation with Russia in Syria, particularly in Idlib. Syria
Why is Europe underplaying its hand on Iran? In a twist, Washington appears more aware of Europe’s ability to impact US sanctions on Iran than Europeans themselves. U.S.
Cigarette scandal shifts attention to institutionalized corruption in Jordan Jordanians were shocked to hear about a major corruption scandal involving officials who have allegedly helped businessmen run several unlicensed cigarette plants. Jordan
Palestinians reach agreement with Damascus on return of refugees Amid efforts to reconstruct the Yarmouk refugee camp on the outskirts of Damascus, the PLO is working to facilitate the return of Palestinian refugees to Syria who fled to Gaza and Lebanon. Palestine
Israeli right-wing minister runs for Jerusalem mayor On the backdrop of proposals to detach Palestinian neighborhoods from Jerusalem’s municipality, the candidacy of Minister Ze’ev Elkin for Jerusalem mayor could ignite the already volatile atmosphere in the city. Israel
Nationality law makes Israel's Druze second-class citizens The Druze community in Israel has condemned the Jewish Nationality Law, which effectively demotes them to second-class citizens despite their military and other service to Israel. Israel
Lebanon looks for economic lift from cannabis Lebanon’s parliament is set to discuss a bill to legalize the production of industrial hemp as part of efforts to boost the country’s ailing economy. Lebanon
Egypt forms battle plan against fake news Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has warned against the dangers that rumors pose to the country and has announced government plans to combat the spread of false news. Egypt
The Sabbath revolution shakes Israeli sports New regulations that condition government funding for sports associations on not holding competitions on the Sabbath threaten to financially destroy entire organizations. Israel
Historic Jerusalem market reopens with new purpose The ancient market of Tankiz Khan has been restored and has found new life as Al-Quds University's Jerusalem studies center. Palestine
Trump says he's ready to meet Iran 'anytime' US President Donald Trump said Monday that he’d be willing to meet Iranian President Hassan Rouhani anytime Iran wants, without any preconditions. U.S.
Pence escalates Trump-Erdogan rift with tweeted threats The US-Turkey brawl over American pastor Andrew Brunson is as intense as ever, as the Turkish president and US leaders exchange public threats and messages of defiance. Turkey
![An Iraqi's ink-stained finger is seen holding on to a cigarette in Amman December 14, 2005. [Iraq's al Qaeda and other militant groups branded landmark elections as ungodly and vowed to keep up their jihad to turn the country into an Islamic state, according to an Internet statement dated Monday.] - PBEAHUNUBES](https://www.al-monitor.com/sites/default/files/styles/article_header/public/almpics/2018/07/RTXO28F.jpg/RTXO28F.jpg?h=a5ae579a&itok=b3kQn4Ki)
