Patriots in Turkey: Defensive, Offensive or Symbolic? Semih Idiz analyzes the various rationales for NATO’s deployment of Patriot missiles to Turkey and their possible consequences. Turkey
Israel's Elections Linked to Its Arab Policies Historically, there has been a close relationship between Knesset elections and the way in which Israel has conducted its regional foreign policy towards the Arabs, writes Jean Aziz. Israel
Lebanon Analysis of Israel Highlights Rewards, Risks The Israeli elections hint at potential for cooperation in the gas sector but also problems, writes Nasser Chararah. Lebanon
Iraqi Forces Confront Al-Qaeda Militants The Iraqi army is conducting military operations against al-Qaeda militants in western Iraq, with concerns that these groups are coordinating with terrorist groups in Syria, reports Ali Abel Sadah. Iraq
Israel Keeps Palestinian Authority on Life Support Adnan Abu Amer examines Israel's attitudes and policies toward the Palestinian Authority, and its interest in keeping the PA weakened but alive. Palestine
Obama Speech Suggests Modest Foreign Agenda for Second Term Judging from his comments in his second inaugural address, Barack Obama’s foreign policy over the next four years will not be particularly ambitious, including in the Middle East. Israel
The Unnatural Alliance Of Likud-Beiteinu The merger of the Likud and Yisrael Beiteinu parties seems an uneasy fit, writes Lily Galili. Israel
Iran Strengthens Ties To Palestinian Islamic Jihad Iran has deepened its relationship with Islamic Jihad while maintaining good ties with Hamas, writes Abeer Ayyoub. Palestine
Hamas Budget a Small Step Toward Transparency The Hamas government’s publication of a budget is encouraging, yet only a small step on the road to achieving an acceptable level of transparency, competence and professionalism, writes Omar Shaban. Palestine
Iraqi Government Seeks Control Over Central Bank Some speculate that the deputy governor of Iraq’s central bank’s arrest for embezzlement is an attempt by the government to expand its control of the financial body, writes Omar al-Shaher. Iraq
Iraqi Kurds Endure Seven Years Of Waiting for New Constitution Negotiations continue on a draft new constitution for the Kurdistan Region of Iraq which would have the president be selected by the parliament, rather than directly elected by the people, reports Abdel Hamid Zebari. Iraq
US Spared Hard Choices in Egypt Geoffrey Aronson analyzes how Washington can best manage US-Egypt relations given the challenges of dealing with President Mohammed Morsi’s government. Egypt
Lebanese Living in UAE Fear Deportation Due to alleged security concerns, the United Arab Emirates has adopted a policy of deporting many of the nation’s Lebanese expatriates, causing both economic and emotional hardship, writes Nasser Chararah. United Arab Emirates
Birand Represented Turkish Journalism at Its Best Cengiz Candar comments on the funeral and career of immortal journalist Mehmet Ali Birand. Turkey
Mehmet Ali Birand, Icon of Turkish Journalism Kadri Gürsel reflects on the life and career of Mehmet Ali Birand, who passed away on Jan. 17, 2013. Turkey
Iraqi Sectarian Politics Contribute To Mismanaged Economy Sectarian politics has limited Iraq's ability to benefit from qualified economists and financial specialists in top government positions, writes Omar al-Shaher. Iraq