US-Funded Employment Programs Criticized by Iraqi Activists The United States seeks to combat perceptions from some Iraqi activists that its training and employment programs have been ineffective, writes Omar al-Shaher. Iraq
Iran Reacts Angrily to 'Argo' Oscar Tehran rejects depictions of Iranians in "Argo," which received the Academy Award for best picture, writes Saideh Jamshidi. Iran
'Argo' Oscar Spurs Ex-Hostages To Call For Sustained Iran Talks Bruce Laingen and John Limbert, who were hostages in Iran from 1979-81, say they hope the movie "Argo" will encourage diplomacy with Iran and not just dredge up old grievances. Iran
Israel's First Arab Soccer Superstar Tells His Story Rifaat Turk, Israel’s first Arab soccer superstar, who paved the way for dozens of Arab players, tells Shlomi Eldar about the racism and challenges he has faced. Israel
How Is Kurdistan Different From Palestine? Tulin Daloglu compares the statehood claims of Kurdistan and Palestine. Palestine
Israel Cannot Afford to Cut Benefits for Children Cutting already-low child benefits in Israel under the pretext of equal sharing of the economic burden is liable to cause irreparable damage, warns Idan Grinbaum. Israel
UAE Deports 125 Lebanese Citizens The UAE recently deported some 125 Lebanese citizens, as Lebanese Shiites also face harassment in Libya, reports an Al-Monitor Lebanon Pulse contributor. United Arab Emirates
Hamas Mulls Palestinian Elections Adnan Abu Amer considers the implications of a potential victory by Hamas in the forthcoming Palestinian elections. Palestine
What is Behind Increase In Sectarian Killings in Iraq? A recent spate of execution-style killings in Iraq has again brought into question the effectiveness of the Iraqi security services, writes Ali Abel Sadah. Iraq
Offshore Gas Key to UK Interest In Lebanon In a bid to increase its political sway in the country, as well as take advantage of offshore gas reserves in Lebanese waters, the UK has sent its foreign secretary to meet with Lebanon’s prime minister, writes Nasser Chararah. Lebanon
US, Abu Mazen Sidelined on Gaza Talks Israel and Hamas, under Egyptian sponsorship, continue to talk about Gaza, leaving Fatah and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on the margins, writes Geoffrey Aronson. Palestine
The Military Cannot Save Egypt Nervana Mahmoud weighs speculation about a military intervention in Egyptian politics. Egypt
Egypt's 'Spoilers' Threaten Democracy Omar Ashour writes on the necessity to contain "spoilers" — the disaffected political forces that are threatening Egypt’s democratization. Palestine
Prisoner X, the Mossad andThe Futility of Censorship Yossi Melman reviews the recent history of Israeli censorship in the name of security and recommends that Israel end the practice. Israel
Freedom of Expression Takes Another Hit in Lebanon Jean Aziz argues that freedom of expression in Lebanon is regularly restricted by the authorities for a variety of baffling reasons, despite this right being enshrined in the Lebanese constitution. Lebanon
Iraqi National Security Adviser Says Terrorism Linked to Havens in Syria In an interview with Mustafa al-Kadhimi, Iraqi National Security Adviser Faleh al-Fayad describes the intricate regional and internal factors affecting his job, and what the future holds for Iraq’s national security. Iraq
