Belaid's Widow Holds Ennahda 'Politically Accountable' for Slaying In an exclusive interview with Ali Hashem, the widow of slain Tunisian opposition politician Chokri Belaid holds the Tunisian government "politically accountable" for his murder. By Ali Hashem In Doha, reporting on Iran, regional politics, conflict
Turkey Needs Policies, Not Politics,In Dealing With the PKK Tulin Daloglu argues that Turkey is ready for a settlement that will end PKK violence, but political posturing by the government does not help. By Tulin Daloglu
Iranian Official Reportedly Killed In Syria Houssam Khosh Nweis has been killed in Syria amid rumors and stories of the circumstances surrounding his death.
St. Valentine Woos Turkish Islamists The new family-minded "Lovers Day," modeled on Valentine's Day, confirms that Turkey is not divided between cultures of the West and Islam but a breeding ground for mixtures of the two, writes Mustafa Akyol. By Mustafa Akyol
Palestinian Attacks on Settlers Signal a Shift in Tactics Attacks by Palestinians against Israeli settlers have increased in recent years, requiring a shift in Israeli strategies to protect settlers in the West Bank, reports Adnan Abu Amer. By Adnan Abu Amer
Tel Aviv Calling, Mr. Obama US President Barack Obama should skip the dismal visits to tombs and monuments in Jerusalem in his forthcoming visit to Israel and drop by Tel Aviv instead, writes Ben Caspit. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Palestinians Not Optimistic About Obama Visit As US President Barack Obama prepares to meet Israeli and Palestinian leaders in their respective capitals, Palestinians do not expect any progress on the peace process, reports Hazem Balousha. By Hazem Balousha
Is Barzani Assuming Talabani's Role As Mediator in Iraq? Kurdistan Region President Massoud Barzani has taken up the roles of both broker and mediator in Iraqi politics given Iraqi President Jalal Talabani's absence, in the midst of a tense situation in the country, writes Abdel Hamid Zebari. By Abdel Hamid Zebari
France-Turkey Relations Back On Track The announcement that France has lifted some roadblocks to Turkey’s membership in the European Union signals that relations between the two countries are on a more positive track, writes Semih Idiz. By Semih Idiz
Baghdad Bickers With Regions Over Iraqi Budget The yearly argument over the budget in Iraq has yet again come to the fore, as the parliament cannot decide on what proportion to give to each of Iraq’s regions, writes Omar al-Shaher. By Omar al-Shaher
'Jordanian Option' Not an Option, Says Shimon Shamir Shimon Shamir, former Israeli ambassador to Jordan, tells Akiva Eldar why raising the possibility of Jordan annexing the West Bank is a slap in the face to Amman and runs counter to Israel's interests. By Akiva Eldar
Dan Meridor: Struggle With Iran Will 'Shape the Middle East' Departing Likud Minister Dan Meridor tells Mazal Mualem about the squandered diplomatic opportunities with the Palestinians, and how the struggle with Iran will shape the Middle East. By Mazal Mualem In Tel Aviv, reporting on politics
Algeria Amps Up Border Security Algeria is increasing efforts to stop the influx of armed extremist groups at traditionally porous border crossings following a series of terrorist attacks in the country, writes Kaci Racelma. By Kaci Racelma
Obama's Visit to West Bank Clovis Maksoud suggests that the recent Israeli elections may have unexpected results for President Obama's visit. By Clovis Maksoud
Militias Persevere in Modern Iraq Militias have been a feature of Iraqi politics and society since the founding of the modern state, writes Mushreq Abbas. By Mushreq Abbas
Turkey Committed, Frustrated With EU Process Tulin Daloglu writes that Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan could facilitate EU membership for Turkey by restraining from inflammatory rhetoric. By Tulin Daloglu