Syrian President Bashar al-Assad says he will pardon army deserters and release political detainees from prison, but his credibility is lacking because of his past reversals.
Source: Al Monitor
Full Article: Syrian opposition skeptical of Assad’s amnesty decision
US lobbying revelations upend Tunisia’s presidential race
A $1 million lobbying contract first revealed by Al-Monitor has sparked a criminal complaint against a leading presidential candidate.
Source: Al Monitor
Full Article: US lobbying revelations upend Tunisia’s presidential race
Jordan book fair held with theme 'Jerusalem: The Capital of Palestine'
The Amman International Book Fair, one of the major literary events in the region, takes up the Palestinian issue as the theme this year.
Source: Al Monitor
Full Article: Jordan book fair held with theme 'Jerusalem: The Capital of Palestine'
Tunisians back new faces in parliamentary polls
The city of Sidi Bouzid, the birthplace of the Jasmine Revolution, has emerged as a barometer of Tunisia's progress in the decade following the toppling of Zine El Abidine Ben Ali.
Source: Al Monitor
Full Article: Tunisians back new faces in parliamentary polls
Did Egypt go behind Hamas’ back to meet with Israel?
Egypt’s security delegation visited Israel and held talks in Netanyahu’s office without visiting Gaza.
Source: Al Monitor
Full Article: Did Egypt go behind Hamas’ back to meet with Israel?
Iraqi youth to government: We’re not going to take it
As young Iraqis vent against their government, Iran is already positioning itself for the fallout, as its proxies hit the streets.
Source: Al Monitor
Full Article: Iraqi youth to government: We’re not going to take it
Children in Daraa suffer in overcrowded classes
When the opposition controlled Daraa in southern Syria, several organizations found innovative ways to continue teaching children, but after the regime took control, all these projects were suspended and children are forced to attend dilapidated and overcrowded schools.
Source: Al Monitor
Full Article: Children in Daraa suffer in overcrowded classes
Why do some Iraqi MPs refuse to be sworn in?
More than a year from the formation of the Iraqi parliament, some members of the parliament refuse to be sworn in, hoping to gain executive posts.
Source: Al Monitor
Full Article: Why do some Iraqi MPs refuse to be sworn in?
Israel combats Palestinians' West Bank rocket-making
Israel is growing concerned about Palestinian factions’ attempts to manufacture rockets inside the West Bank.
Source: Al Monitor
Full Article: Israel combats Palestinians' West Bank rocket-making
Regional powers jockey for influence in Deir ez-Zor protests
Recent protests in Syria’s Deir ez-Zor, split between pro-regime and SDF forces, have raised questions about who will eventually exert control over the region, as heavily restricted access for independent journalists means information coming out of the area is scarce and narratives diverge.
Source: Al Monitor
Full Article: Regional powers jockey for influence in Deir ez-Zor protests