Meshaal to Lead Hamas for Third Term After promising to not seek a third term, Hamas chief Khaled Meshaal has reversed his decision as a result of several factors, including regional changes relating to the Muslim Brotherhood’s ascension to power in major Arab countries, writes Omar Shaban. By Omar Shaban
Defense Chiefs Distrust Israeli Political Leadership Recent revelations about the relations between former chief of staff Gabi Ashkenazi and Defense Minister Ehud Barak imply that the defense establishment questions the capabilities of the Israeli political leadership, writes Alon Ben David. By Alon Ben David
Palestinians Must Unite Before Israeli Elections Clovis Maksoud writes that the likely victory by right-wing parties in the coming Israeli elections sets a deadline for Palestinian reconciliation. By Clovis Maksoud
Mali Conflict Threatens Security in Maghreb Region France becomes involved militarily in Mali as Islamist militants spread their influence, shedding a brighter light on potential regional implications of escalating conflict in the country, writes Ambassador Nassif Hitti. By Nassif Hitti
Iran Balks at Nuclear Talks Without Sanctions, Rights on Agenda A dispute over the agenda could be a factor in delaying a new round of nuclear negotiations between Iran and a US-led coalition. By Barbara Slavin
Paris Murders Just One Element Of PKK Puzzle Tulin Daloglu writes that the recent murders of three PKK members in Paris may not derail the current initiative by Prime Minister Erdogan, but other issues might. By Tulin Daloglu
Lebanese Electoral Law Shakes Political Coalitions Political alliances are shifting and rifts widening as legislators again take up a new electoral law, reports Elie Hajj. By Elie Hajj
Syrian Silent Majority Demands'Transition to Rationality' Syrians are voicing their desire for a new civil society based on rationality, negotiation and compromise, writes Geoffrey Aronson. By Geoffrey Aronson
Lebanon Faces Increased Pressures From Syrian Refugees Mohammad Harfoush reports on how Lebanon is trying to deal with the strain of increasing numbers of Syrian refugees. By Mohammad Harfoush
Assad's Speech and the Syrian Political Solution Sami Moubayed analyzes prospects for a political solution in Syria following the speech by President Bashar al-Assad. By Sami Moubayed
Netanyahu Needs A Partner From the Center Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu needs not only right-wing parties in his next coalition, but also a center party partner — thus, minimizing pressure from the international community on one hand, and leaving him with some maneuver space from within the coalition on the other, writes Nadav Eyal. By Nadav Eyal
Winter Storm Brings More Misery to Gaza Last week's fierce storms proved extra costly for the many families in Gaza living in makeshift or war-damaged homes, Abeer Ayoub reports from Gaza. By Abeer Ayyoub In Istanbul, reporting on Palestine
E1 Protest Boosts Palestinian Resistance Palestinian activists have set a new precedent with the Bab al-Shams tent village, which drew quick support for its peaceful nature, Dalia Hatuqa reports from the West Bank. By Dalia Hatuqa
Transitional Justice in Iraq Is Anything But Transitional justice in Iraq has been a front for political score-settling and vengeance and that must change, writes Mushreq Abbas. By Mushreq Abbas
Young Palestinian Activists Seize Initiative at Bab Al-Shams The grassroots Palestinian move to erect an outpost in an area wanted by Israel for illegal settlements could be the start of a new tactic, Daoud Kuttab writes. By Daoud Kuttab In Amman, reporting on Palestinian politics
New Generation of Political Stars Under Spotlight of Israeli Elections The new generation of young Israeli political stars will be tested in the current campaign and beyond, writes Mazal Mualem. By Mazal Mualem In Tel Aviv, reporting on politics