Hamas Seeks to Ease Tension With Egypt Army Some Hamas officials have moved to calm tensions with Egypt's army, but not without heated internal debate. Palestine
Norwegian Diplomat in Israel Doubts Settlements Can Be Stopped After years of involvement in the Middle East, Norwegian Ambassador to Israel Svein Sevje is concerned that he is more worried about the future of Israel than Israelis are. Palestine
The Lingering Trauma Of the Yom Kippur War Processing the trauma of the Yom Kippur War has taken Israelis four decades, with testimony by former Prime Minister Golda Meir finally being disclosed Sept. 12. Egypt
Land Mines From Iraq War Continue to Plague Iran Though there is a lack of official data, Iran remains the second-most mine-polluted country in the world, with eradication no simple task. Iran
Is Syria War Additional Spark To Alevi Protests in Turkey? The war in Syria and the fallout from the Gezi Park demonstrations may be revealing a fault line in Turkish politics. Syria
Art Goes Indoors At Istanbul Biennial Amid the continuing street protests in the city, the 13th Istanbul Biennial’s decision to withdraw from public spaces aims to make the demonstrations and their message more visible. Turkey
Saudi National Day Masks Contradictions in Culture and Identity The power and pomp that will be on display on Saudi National Day on Sept. 23 will mask broader contradictions in the Kingdom’s national identity. Saudi Arabia
Iran’s Foreign Minister Backs US-Russia Plan for Syria Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif says that if there is a chance for peace in Syria, “we have to grab it.” Syria
Clerics Play Crucial Role In Iraq’s Sectarian Conflict As sectarian violence continues to plague Iraq, the government must focus on bringing together Sunni and Shiite preachers to reconcile their views and calm the tension among their followers. Iraq
Russia's Mideast Role A Plus for Palestinians Active Russian involvement in the Middle East will be welcomed by Palestinians, as they seek to counter Israel's hold on US policy. Palestine
US-Russia Agreement Gives Hope on Syria The US-Russian understanding on Syria presents a number of challenges but also positive opportunities. Lebanon
Is Jordan’s 'Arab Spring' Over? King Abdullah II seems to have weathered a storm, at least for now. Jordan
Iran’s Household Economics The Iranian government looks to control inflation, which is now surpassing 39%. Iran
Syria Crisis Prompts Turkey's New Openings to Its Alevis Turkey’s new liberalization package for its largest religious minority is linked to Syria. Syria
Obama’s Syria Policy Has Potential For Breakthrough on War Al-Monitor’s analysis and coverage of US policy toward Syria. Syria
Twenty Years After the Oslo Accords! What Now? With the Oslo Accords, there is the illusion of negotiations. Palestine
