In mid-December, Saudi Arabia announced the formation of a broad coalition of Muslim countries dedicated to “fighting terrorism” across the Muslim world. The coalition, said the Kingdom’s inexperienced defense minister, Mohammad Bin Salman, would include 34 Muslim countries in Africa, the Middle East and Asia, and would be headquartered in Riyadh. The goal would be to combat Daesh and other extremist groups which Bin Salman did not name. While the notion of Muslim countries taking a greater role in fighting Daesh and other fanatic Islamic groups is to be applauded ...

It could be the biggest cover-up in modern fashion history! Celebs have been hanging up their barely-there gowns, opting instead for a genre of dressing newly coined as "modest wear". It's becoming one of the industry's fastest growing sectors with global sales set to be approach $300 BIL by 2020. Trend, schmend, say we, this is Islamic fashion. This Victorian-esque get-up also appeals to orthodox Christian and Jewish women, but what's now notable is how full-length skirts, long sleeves, and chin-touching necklines have crossed over to the high street. The ...

One is a world power and a close ally of the United States. The other is a rogue extremist group that may be the worst thing since the Nazis. But beneath the surface, Saudi Arabia and the black-masked death cult Daesh aren’t all that different. Okay, Saudi Arabia -- we said it. Are you going to sue us now ? We're not the first to have made this comparison. Online, the idea that Saudi Arabia and Daesh are pretty similar went viral to the point where Saudi officials had to ...

Real Madrid's new French coach Zinedine Zidane looks on before the Spanish league football match Real Madrid CF vs RC Deportivo La Coruna at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid on January 9, 2016. AFP PHOTO / GERARD JULIEN

Civil war, violence, and most recently Daesh most often come to mind when the country of Syria pops up in conversation. With Donald Trump pumping fear of Muslims into the hearts of American citizens, and Jerry Lewis spreading hate with statements like Syrian refugees “should stay where the hell they are,” it may surprise some to learn that there would be a lot less talent in the U.S. if not for those of Syrian descent in the mix. From Hollywood stars like Jerry Seinfeld to tech giants like Steve Jobs ...

Novak Djokovic of Serbia (L) poses for a photo with his winning trophy next to Rafael Nadal of Spain holding his second place trophy following the final of the Qatar Open tennis tournament on January 9, 2016, in Doha. AFP PHOTO / KARIM JAAFAR

Though 17 months of falling oil prices may not be great for the economies of Middle Eastern countries, it does mean that Arabs are driving more than ever. And when it comes to cars, Arabs know what they like: 4-wheel drive, easy to find parts, and powerful AC for that desert heat. From the classy BMW Series 3 to the gas-guzzling Toyota Land Cruiser, here are the cars that MENA citizens like best.

New years are synonomous with resolutions, ambitious lists of optimistic goals targeted at an improved state of being. Why should regions be exempt from an annual wish list? Will the Middle East resolve to make big changes in 2016 or opt for that other hallmark of a new year - explosive fireworks? Here are key stories in the year ahead that have global impacts. Volatile oil prices , a refugee stampede, climate change , and t he age-old schism between Shia and Sunni Muslims each contributes to destabilizing the region ...

Spanish player Rafael Nadal (L) poses with his winning trophy next to UAE Sports and Youth Minister Sheikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak al-Nahyan after beating Canadian player Milos Raonic in the final match of the Mubadala World Tennis Championship in Abu Dhabi on January 2, 2016. AFP PHOTO / MARWAN NAAMANI