Iraqi Music Tinged by Violent, Turbulent Times With musical trends typically reflecting the times of any particular society, Iraqi music today is increasingly characterized by themes of war and violence. Iraq
Israeli Supreme Court Rules For Democracy Israel's highest court strikes down a controversial immigration law. Israel
Syria War Polarizes West Bank Palestinians Increased international attention on Syria has reignited debate among West Bank Palestinians over whom to support. Palestine
Erdogan Promotes Democratization Package Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan says Turkey's democratization package is a "silent revolution." Turkey
Iran Increases Aid to PFLP Thanks to Syria Stance Iran has rewarded the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine's pro-Assad stance with an increase in financial and military assistance. Palestine
Netanyahu to US: Iran for Palestine? The Israeli right fears that Netanyahu might agree to an interim arrangement that will include a settlement evacuation in exchange for US guarantees on the Iranian file. Palestine
Turkey's New Prohibitions Lead To Underground Alcohol Market Many Turks are finding ways around the new restrictions on the sale of alcohol. Turkey
Nour Party Picks Up Islamist Mantle In Egyptian Transition Having joined the coup against Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi, the Salafist Nour Party seek to lead the Islamist current in Egyptian politics. Egypt
Saudis Set Back by US-Russia Deal on Syrian Chemical Weapons Saudi Arabia, like Iran, has pursued a sectarian interventionist strategy in Syria that furthers the war and undermines a democratic transition. Saudi Arabia
Women Protesters in Turkey Brave Sexual Harassment The systematic sexual harassment of female Turkish protesters in custody is used as a weapon to deter them and marginalize the protest movement. Turkey
How Happy Is the One Who Says 'I am a Turk'? Turks seem to be content, but perhaps not all that happy. Turkey
More Obstacles to Formation Of New Lebanon Government As conflict continues to rage next door in Syria, Lebanon’s polarized political scene must face several challenges before it can build a government that satisfies past agreements. Lebanon
Saudi Arabia Vies For Influence in Iraq Riyadh has reached out to tribal sheikhs in southern Iraq in what some see as a continuation of the ongoing Saudi-Iranian competition for influence in the region. Saudi Arabia
Iran Rethinks Facebook Under Rouhani Iranian ministers are implementing a social media strategy, which is being challenged in some conservative quarters. Iran
Is Defection of Syrian General Part of Russian Plan? There are reports that a high-ranking Syrian Alawite officer, Gen. Ali Habib, has left the country, leaving some thinking this could be part of a Russian plan to reach a solution to the conflict. Lebanon
