News in Brief Crisis Rises, Air Pollution Drops? Armed conflict and economic recession in the Middle East brought an unexpected decline in air pollution, researchers say. Nathan Collins
Economics The Future of Work: The Transformation of Work at the Heart of Middle East Unrest The latest entry in a special project in which business and labor leaders, social scientists, technology visionaries, activists, and journalists weigh in on the most consequential changes in the workplace. Ragui Assaad
News in Brief The Signs From Suruc A recent bombing in the town of Suruc has prodded Turkey into re-thinking its approach to ISIS and Syria. Sarabrynn Hudgins
News in Brief Hidden Agenda or Not, Netanyahu’s Speech Is Likely to Backfire The Israeli prime minister's speech before Congress yesterday could open up political divisions, and work against Israel in the long term. Max Ufberg
News in Brief The Long History of Satire in the Middle East Contrary to a recent popular claim, Muslims—of course—believe in the freedom of expression. And they’ve been using it to some extraordinary ends. Sonia Tamar Seeman
News in Brief Does the U.S. Pay Families When Drones Kill Innocent Yemenis? We requested information on how the U.S. handles condolence payments for civilian drone strike deaths in Yemen. But the military won’t reveal a thing. Cora Currier
Economics Gaza’s Other War Israel and Gaza have been torn apart by missile strikes this week, but Gaza's rapidly depleting aquifer is about to make things even more precarious. Marc Herman
Economics Watching Bashar al-Assad Give a Speech Is Exactly As Creepy As You’d Figure http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H28TTkKEZX8 The most challenging Ramadan since 1980 comes to an end this weekend, and not a day too soon. Based… Marc Herman
News in Brief Women Win Big in Tunisia Vote Post-dictatorship Tunisia’s recent election for assembly benefited women and showed the power of technology. Philip N. Howard
Social Justice Post-Gadhafi: What’s Next for Libya’s Government? As our correspondent in Libya has learned, rushing to the ballot box might be the biggest mistake there is. Marc Herman