Assyrians Discuss Possible State in Iraq Diasporan Assyrians, descendants of one of Iraq’s oppressed and scattered historic minorities, are examining establishing an autonomous or independent state in Ninevah province. By Ali Mamouri
Internet Porn Ban Sticking in Gaza Human rights activists in Gaza are largely shying from voicing their opposition to Hamas' Internet porn ban for fear of societal judgment. By Asmaa al-Ghoul
Iran on Egypt’s Crisis: Political Islam in Danger Iran fears that civil war could break out in Egypt, and worries about the dangers that could pose for the region. By Ali Hashem In Doha, reporting on Iran, regional politics, conflict
Egypt's Paradox Egyptians are grappling with unprecedented violence rooted in a divide over the military-led government. By Clovis Maksoud
Turkish Children Steered Toward Religious Education AKP policies are forcing a majority of children to be pushed toward either religious education or vocational schools. By Tulin Daloglu
Peace Is Israel's Best Security Guarantee Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu should look back to the peace agreement with Egypt, which proves that compromise strengthens Israel's borders and guarantees its security. By Akiva Eldar
Will the US Join Egyptian Coalition Bandwagon? Gen. Abdel Fattah al-Sisi’s struggle against the Muslim Brotherhood has given rise to a rare coalition: the new transitional Egyptian leadership, the Arab world and Israel. By Jacky Hugi
After Bombing, Basra Governor Sees 'Political' Price to Pay A truck bomb explosion on the Basra docks exposes the tenuous security situation, and Basra's governor says, "The city is paying the price for the political differences in the country." By Mushreq Abbas
Obama Administration Has Options For Iran Sanctions Relief If there is progress in nuclear talks with Iran, the Obama administration has enough executive discretion for sanctions relief, even if it's nearly impossible to revoke the Iran Sanctions Act. By Kenneth Katzman
Is a Power Struggle Brewing Between Erdogan and Gulen? A major struggle between the two most important players in Turkish politics could be on the horizon. By Rasim Ozan Kutahyali
Patriarch Asks Turkey to End Stalemate Over Shuttered Seminary The ecumenical patriarch of the Greek Orthodox Church has his fingers crossed that the Turkish government will reopen the theological seminary on Istanbul’s Halki Island. By Yasemin Çongar
Syria's Alawites Torn Between Regime, Opposition While many analysts inside and outside Syria seem to assume Syrian Alawites support President Bashar al-Assad’s Baathist regime, the reality on the ground is much more nuanced. By A correspondent in Damascus
Iran's Petroleum Industry Welcomes Zanganeh's Return as Minister The appointment of Bijan Namdar Zanganeh as petroleum minister brings hopes and expectations for overdue reforms. By Bijan Khajehpour In Vienna, reporting on Iranian politics
Gaza Valley Faces Environmental Disaster Once a vibrant natural reserve, Wadi Gaza is suffering from local neglect and Israel's blockade. By Rasha Abou Jalal In Gaza City, reporting on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict
Najaf Seminary Plays Role Of Iraqi Opposition The multiple failings of the Iraqi government have given Najaf the opportunity to play the opposition’s role. By Adnan Hussein
Has Hamas Abandoned Egypt’s Muslim Brotherhood? The Hamas leadership would find it hard to explain abandoning their "mother movement" — the Muslim Brotherhood — to its fate, without even a vocal protest. By Shlomi Eldar