The Paradox of Religion In Erdogan’s Turkey Ihsan Dagi of Zaman asks whether conservatives are moving to the center; the answer is just that power is changing hands in Turkey, but not in a democratic way, writes Tulin Daloglu. By Tulin Daloglu
King Abdullah Seeks to Champion Jordanian Reforms King Abdullah II of Jordan is portraying himself as a champion of reform in order to head off further protests, writes Osama Al Sharif. By Osama Al Sharif
Israelis Develop "Business for Peace" Projects with Palestinians Ben Gurion University of the Negev invites researchers to submit proposals for its "Business for Peace" competition to support the Palestinian economy, writes Shlomi Eldar. By Shlomi Eldar
Turkey's Kurdish Language Policy: Learning from Europe Soner Cagaptay and Tyler Evans write that Turkey need not recognize the Kurdish language in a new constitution, but over time could develop a provision for public services in Kurdish. By Soner Cagaptay
Ahmadinejad Seeks Iranian Legacy Ali Hashem reports from Tehran that Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad considers the candidacy of his close aide and cousin, the controversial Esfandiyar Rahim Mashaei, as key to his legacy. By Ali Hashem In Doha, reporting on Iran, regional politics, conflict
Why Obama Should PlaceA Wreath at Arafat’s Grave Daoud Kuttab calls on US President Barack Obama to pay his respects at the grave of Yasser Arafat when he visits the West Bank next week. By Daoud Kuttab In Amman, reporting on Palestinian politics
Syria, Two Years and Counting Nassif Hitti writes that time is working against Syria as the situation worsens by the day. By Nassif Hitti
Suicide Attack Targets 'Symbol of Justice' in Iraq The March 14 suicide attack on the Ministry of Justice has only heightened tensions in an already divided Iraq, writes Omar al-Shaher. By Omar al-Shaher
Disappointment for the 'New Iraq' Ten years after the end of Saddam Hussein's regime, many Iraqis feel disappointed that not much progress has been made, writes Mustafa al-Kadhimi. By Mustafa al-Kadhimi
Netanyahu's New Strongman Yesh Atid leader Yair Lapid may head Israel’s second-largest party, but it is HaBayit HaYehudi chairman Naftali Bennett who actually holds the ''keys to the coalition kingdom'' in his pocket, writes Mazal Mualem. By Mazal Mualem In Tel Aviv, reporting on politics
The Impossible Conversation Between Netanyahu and Obama Ben Caspit describes what the meeting between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Barack Obama would look like, if only they were telling each other the naked truth. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Kurdish Negotiators Seek To Lower Expectations The Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) expects confidence-building measures and is seeking to lower expectations in its talks with Turkey, writes Kadri Gursel. By Kadri Gürsel
Erdogan Set To Be Turkey's Longest-Serving Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan will become Turkey's longest-serving prime minister next week, after more than ten years without interruption, reports Tulin Daloglu. By Tulin Daloglu
US, Iran Teams Head to Istanbul For Nuclear-Experts Talks Arms-control officials from Iran and six world powers are heading to Istanbul to discuss a new nuclear proposal as Iranian leaders intensify debate about possible direct US talks, reports Laura Rozen. By Laura Rozen
Syrian Conflict Extends To Border With Israel Syrian opposition forces are battling for control of regions near the Israeli border, threatening a conflict with that country, reports Nasser Chararah. By Nasser Chararah
The New Pope and Palestine Palestinians are hoping Pope Francis will continue the Vatican's support for the Palestinian cause, Daoud Kuttab writes. By Daoud Kuttab In Amman, reporting on Palestinian politics