Iraq Set to Expand Free-Trade Zones Iraq is preparing to expand existing free-trade zones and create new ones throughout the country, writes Omar al-Shaher. Iraq
Does Erdogan’s Peace Process Conflict With Rule of Law? Ersan Sen, a well-known criminal-law expert, argues that Turkish Prime Minister Racep Tayyep Erdogan’s Kurdish initiative may undermine the role of parliament and prospects for a lasting settlement, writes Tulin Daloglu. Turkey
Hezbollah Sees Nothing New From Obama Visit Hezbollah assesses the region after President Barack Obama's visit last month and sees little change, writes Jean Aziz. Israel
Iraq’s Arab-League Presidency: Wasted Opportunity? Iraq's term as president of the Arab League left no mark, writes Mustafa Al-Kadhimi. Iraq
Mikati's Resignation Shakes Up Lebanese Politics Prime Minister Najib Mikati's resignation has sent shock waves through Lebanon and threatened the country's stability, although some political factions may stand to benefit, writes Scarlett Haddad. Lebanon
'Apology' Not Part Of Turkey’s Lexicon Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's apology to Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan has led to questions about why Turkey has yet to apologize for incidents from its own past, writes Semih Idiz. Israel
Islamic Restrictions Hinder Artists, Singers in Gaza Unlike their counterparts in the West Bank, Palestinian artists in Gaza are unable to use their talents because of restrictions imposed by Hamas, writes Hazem Balousha. Palestine
Palestinian Family Fights To Remain in Israeli Settlement With the help of human rights groups, Hani Awad has resisted Israeli attempts to evacuate him and his family from an Israeli settlement in the West Bank, Linah Alsaafin writes. Palestine
Why Khaled Meshaal Should Thank Israel The Israeli military operation in Gaza positioned Khaled Meshaal, head of the Hamas political bureau, to be re-elected to the leadership of Hamas, writes Shlomi Eldar. Palestine
Palestinians Seeking Medical Care Often Detained at Gaza Crossing Israel is detaining Palestinian patients seeking to cross the Erez Crossing for hospital care with the aim to turn them into collaborators, Mohammed Suliman reports. Palestine
EU Trade with Israeli Settlements Undermines Palestinian Economy NGOs are calling on the EU to stop trade relations with Israeli settlements, which undermined Palestinians' ability to create a viable economy, Lena Odgaard reports. Palestine
Palestinian Children's Museum Goes Green A new green museum dedicated to Palestinian children will promote sustainable practices, and teach about local culture away from the confines of the classroom, Dalia Hatuqa writes. Palestine
Nude Feminism Challenges Islamist Discourse Nude protests are not an expression of women's freedom, but an extreme form of action that feeds the oppression of women in the Arab world, writes Yasmine Nagaty. Egypt
Solana: Syria War May Be Obstacle to Iran Nuclear Talks Javier Solana, former NATO secretary-general and foreign policy chief for the European Union, warns that the Syria war is threatening the unity of nations negotiating with Iran over its nuclear program. Syria
Did Erdogan Really Accept Netanyahu's Apology? Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan has accepted the Israeli apology for the Mavi Marmara incident, but sticks to the same anti-Israeli rhetoric as before, writes Arad Nir. Israel
Lebanon's 'Fuel War' Linked To Syrian Conflict Opponents of the Syrian government in Lebanon are blocking transportation of diesel into Syria, reports Nasser Chararah. Lebanon
