Lebanon's 'Third Force' Clovis Maksoud discusses an emerging political “Third Force” in Lebanon that's attracting a new generation of Lebanese voters and citizens. Lebanon
Christians in Gaza Barred From Visits To West Bank Holy Site Most Christians in Gaza are barred by the Israeli military from traveling to holy sites in the West Bank to celebrate Christmas, leaving many families longing for more than symbols throughout the holiday season, writes Asmaa al-Ghoul. Palestine
Jerusalem 2013 Dalia Hatuqa writes that the expansion of Israeli settlements in and around Jerusalem does not bode well for the Holy City in the coming year. Palestine
Israelis or Palestinians? Where's the Missing Partner? Akiva Eldar writes about perceptions that the Government of Israel may prefer delaing with Hamas rather than Fatah. Palestine
Israeli Politicians Compete for 'Right-Wing' Etiquette The upcoming Israeli elections are dominated by a strong ''turning to the right'' phenomenon, which sweeps not only the center-right wing, but even the Left Israeli Labor party, writes Mazal Mualem. Israel
Is Erdogan Aiming to Be A Latter-Day Sultan? Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan is seeking a "Turkish-style presidential system," which worries democrats, writes Semih Idiz. Turkey
Hamas Defends Ban on Cooperation With Israeli Media Hamas' decision to ban Gaza-based Palestinian journalists from working with the Israeli media has caused controversy, Rami Almeghari reports from Gaza. Palestine
Lebanese Christians Divided Over Action in Syria In Lebanon, the Christians in the March 14th coalition are divided over events in Syria, some calling for more direct action supporting the revolution while others stand along the line of cautiousness and neutrality, reports Elie Hajj. Lebanon
PFLP on Defense in Gaza Over Ties to Assad Left-wing factions in Gaza have distanced themselves from the PFLP-GC in Syria, who many blame for the violence in the Yarmouk refugee camp, Mohammed Suliman reports from Gaza. Palestine
Bone Marrow Registry in Jerusalem Offers Hope to Arab Cancer Patients The Hadassah Center in Jerusalem offers the only extensive Arab-specific bone marrow registry in the world for cancer patients, writes Cale Salih. United Arab Emirates
Tens of Thousands of Palestinians Celebrate Christmas in Israel For the second time in four months, the IDF opened the crossing points, allowing thousands of Palestinians from the West Bank to visit Israel, a rare opportunity to cross the physical and psychological fence separating both people, writes Shlomi Eldar. Palestine
Hamas Struggles to Reconstruct Gaza Economy Hamas needs the ceasefire with Israel to work as it sets its sights on rehabilitating Gaza's economy, Rana Manna reports from Gaza. Palestine
Should Europe Classify Hezbollah As a Terrorist Group? Nasser Chararah examines the possible consequences if Europe classifies Hezbollah as a terrorist organization. Lebanon
Iran Sanctions Drive Up Turkish Energy Costs Guven Sak writes that sanctions on Iran are raising the costs of Turkish energy. Turkey
The Fiscal Cliff, Israel-Style Israel is facing its own fiscal cliff, which will mean higher taxes, writes Idan Grinbaum. Israel
Avigdor Liberman and the Revenge of Danny Ayalon Former Foreign Minister Avigdor Liberman's failure to foresee the bitterness of his ousted Deputy Danny Ayalon, might cost him his political future. Israel
![A masked Palestinian boy wears a Hamas banner on his head as he participates in a Hamas rally in Gaza December 23, 2005. Thousands of Hamas members marched in Gaza City on Friday to condemn the [United States and Europe and to demand that President Mahmoud Abbas] not delay the upcoming parliament vote.](/sites/default/files/styles/article_header/public/almpics/2012/q4/RTXO2Y3.jpg/RTXO2Y3.jpg?h=2d235432&itok=VvhkigY1)
