NIC Predicts Water Shortage, Oil Glut for Iran in 2030 Barbara Slavin, citing a report by the National Intelligence Council, writes for Al-Monitor that by 2030, Iran may be perilously short of water and find it even harder to market its major export, oil, in a world with a substantial surplus of crude and more extreme weather patterns. Iran
Three Worries About Next Iran Talks Trita Parsi worries that the next round of talks between the P5+1 and Iran could be much ado about nothing, without a newfound willingness by both sides to compromise. Iran
Protests Move From Tahrir To Presidential Palace The migration of Egyptian protests from Tahrir Square to the presidential palace marks an evolutionary step for Egypt’s opposition movement, writes Stephen Kalin for Al-Monitor. Egypt
Egypt’s Opposition Rejects Referendum The National Salvation Front rejected Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi’s call for dialogue unless he cancels the constitutional referendum scheduled for Dec. 15, Maggie Fick reports from Cairo. Egypt
The Endgame in Syria In the context of concerns about Syria’s chemical weapons and renewed speculation about President Bashar al-Assad’s final days, four trends will determine if and when there will be an endgame in Syria, and what that might look like. Syria
Palestinian-American Comedian Takes Show on Identity to Beirut Palestinian-American comedian Jennifer Jajeh speaks with Al-Monitor's Antoun Issa about the accomplishments of her "I Heart Hamas" tour and the quest for belonging that took her to the front lines of the world's most enduring conflict. Palestine
Turkey, Russia Won't Risk Economic Ties Over Syria The anticipated meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan recognized the deep economic ties between the countries, but the real focus was Syria, writes Semih Idiz. Turkey
In Egypt, Women Lead Fight Against Mob Sexual Assaults Sexual assaults on women, including around Tahrir Square, are on the rise, but women are organizing to fight back, reports Sarah el-Sirgany from Cairo. Egypt
Nuclear Deal with Iran May Hinge On European Sanctions Relief Al-Monitor's Barbara Slavin reports that progress with Iran in upcoming nuclear talks might require Europeans to ease their embargo on purchasing Iranian oil. Iran
Morsi, Muslim Brotherhood Defend Response to Protests President Mohammed Morsi publicly expressed grief over those killed and wounded, while defending his actions against armed demonstrators. The Muslim Brotherhood claimed its members were the victims, not perpetrators, of the violence in Egypt, Mohannad Sabry reports from Cairo. Egypt
IAEA Chief Willing to Share Data With Iran on Weapons Claims Al-Monitor's Barbara Slavin reports that the director-general of the International Atomic Energy Agency, Yukiya Amano, says his organization will share sensitive data with Iran “when appropriate," in a possible new bid to gain Iranian cooperation on allegations that it had a nuclear-weapons program. Iran
Morsi’s Unsustainable Autocracy Khalil al-Anani examines how Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi’s personality, worldview and career in the Muslim Brotherhood have influenced his recent actions as president. Egypt
Violence Deepens Crisis for Morsi The attack on anti-Morsi protesters by groups affiliated with the Muslim Brotherhood has raised questions about Morsi’s intentions — and whether he controls or is controlled by the Muslim Brotherhood, reports Maggie Fick from Cairo. Egypt
Morsi Supporters Attack Opposition Demonstrators Mohannad Sabry gives a first-hand report on the violent confrontations precipitated by supporters of Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi against those protesting him. Egypt
How National Is the Lebanese Philharmonic Orchestra? The Lebanese Philharmonic Orchestra, once consisting exclusively of Lebanese, now has 103 members, 60% of whom are foreign, mainly from Eastern Europe. Fernande van Tets reports that the dearth of Arabs is striking. Lebanon
New Parliament Marks A Setback for Kuwait Kuwait’s newly elected National Assembly, which convenes on Dec. 16, offers little promise, writes Mona Kareem. Absent many of the leading opposition figures who boycotted the election, the parliament is unlikely to address any of the political problems that have divided Kuwait. Gulf
