Battle for Qusair Key Front in Syria War The aim of the battles raging on the Syria-Lebanon border near Qusayr is directly tied to the war in Syria, writes Jean Aziz. Lebanon
President's Absence Complicates Iraqi Politics As Iraqi President Jalal Talabani continues to undergo treatment in Berlin, Iraqi leaders are indecisive on how to proceed in his absence, writes Ali Abel Sadah. Iraq
Arab Gulf States Struggle Against Islamists Michael Stephens writes that the reactions of some of the Arab Gulf states to the challenge of Islamic activism are doomed to frustration. Gulf
Israel: The Politics Behind The Armenian Genocide On the eve of the 98th anniversary of the Armenian genocide, Israel continues denying the event in favor of having better political relations with Turkey, writes Akiva Eldar. Israel
Is Turkey Overcoming The Armenian Taboo? Turkey is changing from a country where the phrase "Armenian question" was never mentioned to one where groups are marching in the street using the term "Armenian genocide," writes Orhan Kemal Cengiz. Turkey
Iraq's Legislative Crisis As political and social divisions deepen throughout Iraqi society, Mustafa al-Kadhimi calls attention to the legislative negligence that has allowed this worrying crisis to grow. Iraq
Hamas Ties to Qatar Have Cost Hamas seeks to maintain its independence but has faced challenges since pivoting from Syria and Iran to Qatar, writes Adnan Abu Amer. Qatar
Netanyahu’s Challenges On Knesset's Opening Day Mazal Mualem lists the five challenges which Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu must face with the opening of the 19th Knesset summer session. Israel
Was Ariel Sharon Israel'sSecret Channel to Iran? Despite the mutual threats and demonization, Meir Javedanfar writes that even so-called hard-line Israeli politicians, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, would consider opportunities to open a channel with Iran. Israel
Iraqi Kurdistan Open To Arab Investment New investment projects in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq have led to a strengthening of ties with Arab states, writes Abdel Hamid Zebari. Iraq
Currency Auctions by Iraq Bank Called Into Question The Central Bank of Iraq’s practice of auctioning US dollars has come under fire amid suspicion that the practice leads to money laundering and the channeling of dollars to Iran, reports Omar al-Shaher. Iraq
Hamas Returns to Student Politics In West Bank Hamas will participate in upcoming student elections in Palestine’s largest university, An Najah, for the first time in six years, reports Daoud Kuttab. Palestine
Memoirs of Arab Diplomacy Offer Context for Present Conflicts The Arab Spring might seem disappointing at the moment, but we should not let ourselves be disillusioned, writes Clovis Maksoud. Lebanon
Friends of Syria Deliver Nothing New The radical elements in the Syrian opposition continue to worry the West, writes Tulin Daloglu. Syria
US Not Considering Arms To Syrian Rebels The Obama administration resists congressional pressure for military aid to the Syrian rebels; Al-Monitor writers take on the case of Fazil Say and the resignation of Palestinian Prime Minister Salam Fayyad. Palestine
What Is the Extent of Hezbollah's Involvement in Syria? While Hezbollah claims that it has sent militants to Syria to protect Lebanese citizens living in border towns, there are conflicting reports regarding the size and purpose of the party’s involvement, writes Elie Hajj. Lebanon
