Iraqi Kurdistan Region’s Lawyers Speak Out Against New Law Disputes emerge between lawyers in the Iraqi Kurdistan region in reaction to a new law allowing foreign lawyers to practice their profession there. Iraq
Kerry Plan Focuses on Jordan Valley US Secretary of State John Kerry’s proposed economic plan for the West Bank appears to be focused on turning over large parts of the Jordan Valley to direct Palestinian rule. Palestine
Is There Really a Turkish 'Jihad' Against Alcohol? No, Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan is not waging a jihad on alcohol in Turkey. A response to Kadri Gursel. Turkey
Erdogan Denies He Is a King Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s authoritarian tendencies are starting to draw some worrying historical comparisons. Turkey
'Islamization' Reveals Gap Between Hamas Government, Movement In the first of a three-part series, Asmaa al-Ghoul examines the relationship between Hamas the movement and Hamas the government amid concerns over "Islamization" in Gaza. Palestine
Israeli Apathy Defeats The Arab Peace Initiative The Israeli right wing has succeeded in rendering the public apathetic and lethargic about any proposal to end the conflict, including the Arab Peace Initiative. Palestine
Kerry Plan Ignores Palestinian Economic Independence The economic plan brought forward by US Secretary of State John Kerry still keeps the Palestinian economy dependent on Israel. Palestine
Political Dimension Remains Central in Kerry Approach to Peace Despite the importance of the economic dimension of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, the political dimension of the approach to peace remains paramount. Palestine
Yemen's Real Blackout The transitional government in Sanaa appears to be repeating past mistakes and approaches in dealing with southern secessionist movements. Yemen
Tehran Mayor a Powerful Contender For Iran’s Presidency Tehran Mayor Mohammad Ghalibaf has a good shot at succeeding Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. Turkey
Islamization of Istanbul Continues Istanbul might think twice about celebrating both "Conquest Day" and democracy in Turkey. Turkey
Erdogan’s Accusation of CHP Goes Too Far Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan might have crossed a red line by accusing the CHP of being directly responsible in the May 11 Reyhanli blasts that left 52 dead. Syria
'Jewish Home' Party Against Arab Draft Knesset member Yoni Chetboun opposes (clearly and repeatedly) the drafting of Israeli Arabs to the army: ''I don't want an Arab in IDF uniform.'' Israel
Iraqis Fear Return of 'Death Squads' To Baghdad Streets In light of escalating political crises and sectarian divisions in Iraq, some fear the return of Baghdad’s infamous "death squads," who reigned with terror over the past 10 years. Iraq
The Failure of Israel's Red Line Policy By drawing red lines it cannot keep, Israel is harming its credibility and its deterrence capability. Israel
Geneva II Talks on Syria Still Matter Although the Syrian opposition has refused to deal with Assad, Geneva II still represents the best chance for a diplomatic start to end to the war. Syria
