Geneva Document Key To End Syria Stalemate Geoffrey Aronson writes that the Geneva Agreement on Syria entails “walking back” both Washington's pre-emptive demand for Bashar al-Assad’s departure and Moscow’s support for the regime. Syria
Hamas Shuts Down Gaza English-Language Club The Hamas-led government in Gaza has shut down an English-language club amid several recent steps to limit cultural activity within the Strip, writes Khaled Kraizim. Palestine
Israeli Deputy Defense Minister Wants to Accelerate Settlements In an interview with Mazal Mualem, Deputy Defense Minister Danny Danon promises to help the settlements in the West Bank and to institute compulsory national service for Israeli-Arabs. Palestine
Why Russia Does Not Believe Syria Used Chemical Weapons Russia does not believe that Syria used chemical weapons against insurgents, and therefore considers this week's revelation as information warfare to escalate the conflict, writes Fyodor Lukyanov. Syria
A Turkish Awakening on Armenian, Kurdish Issues? The Armenian Day observances in Turkey on April 24 could be as significant as the PKK decision to withdraw from Turkey, writes Cengiz Candar. Turkey
The Future of Subsidy Reforms After Iran’s Presidential Election The next president of Iran is likely to continue the subsidy reforms of the Ahmadinejad government, but with changes in pace and handout distribution, writes Bijan Khajehpour. Iran
Erdogan Condemns Beer, Lauds Yogurt as Turkish National Drink Pinar Tremblay says the spat about alcohol consumption in Turkey may mask a more serious debate about fundamental rights in Turkey. Turkey
The Red Line in Syria Has Long Been Crossed Shlomi Eldar wonders why the world waits for the use of chemical weapons to launch a military operation ending the bloodshed in Syria. Israel
Lebanon's First Civil Marriage A Sign of Change On April 25, 2013, the first civil marriage was officially registered in Lebanon, a move that could forebode a radical change in the longstanding political sectarian system, writes Jean Aziz. Lebanon
Iran Eager to Restart Nuclear Talks Banafsheh Khanoush writes that Iran is sending signals that it is eager to restart negotiations and make concessions on its nuclear program. Iran
The 'S-Word': Egyptian Movement Takes On Islamic Rule In an increasingly Islamized Egypt, a group of activists vows to keep secularism alive, writes Ahmed Ateyya. Egypt
The State of Saudi Reform Haytham Mouzahem considers the status and struggles of the Saudi opposition and reform movements. Saudi Arabia
Twelve Major Consequences Of Sanctions on Iran Seyed Hossein Mousavian reviews the futility of the US sanctions policy to affect Iran’s nuclear program or change its relationship with Iran for the better. Iran
Israel Fencing Off Lebanese Village Would Violate UN Resolution Israel is attempting to build a fence around the northern part of Ghajar, a Lebanese village that lies on its northern border with Lebanon, in violation of UN Resolution 1701, writes Nasser Chararah. Israel
Saudi Wahhabi Sheikh Calls On Iraq's Jihadists to Kill Shiites A Saudi Wahhabi sheikh has issued a fatwa in which he calls on jihadists in Iraq to kill Shiites, including women and children, in another sign of the bitter sectarian conflict dividing the region, writes Haytham Mouzahem. Iraq
Debunking Five Myths of Washington’s Leverage in Egypt Mohamed Elmenshawy explains why US influence in Egypt is not what many believe it is, or should be. Egypt
