Egypt Economy Continues Downward Trend Despite significant Gulf aid, Egypt's economic indicators continue to point in the wrong direction. Egypt
Iraqi Politicians Mobilize Followers Through Feasts Given the tribal nature of Iraqi society, politicians often must seek the support of large clans to ensure success in elections. Iraq
Will a Rafsanjani Be Tehran's Next Mayor? Tehran's next mayor will be following large personalities who filled that position and will need to address many of Tehran's urban issues. Iran
Turkey’s Kurds Seek Forgiveness For 1915 Armenian Tragedy Turkey’s Kurds are taking responsibility for their role in the mass killings of Ottoman Armenians in 1915. Turkey
What Is Behind Success Of Tehran Stock Exchange? The Tehran Stock Exchange has been a success in an otherwise stagnant economy. Iran
Obama Stuns Israel With Delay on Syria Strike The US president's decision to seek congressional approval to strike Syria has caught Israel and its security establishment by surprise. Israel
Palestinian Women Hope To Gain Divorce Rights Activists are pushing for Gaza to join the West Bank in an initiative that will allow women to divorce without their husbands' permission. Palestine
The Democratic Case Against Islamism Any legitimate democratic system must allow for Islamist parties but have legal checks on their agenda. Egypt
US Military Force Could Promote Diplomacy in Syria If the endgame is a diplomatic solution, the Obama administration should seek to strengthen secular Syrian opposition forces in advance of the Geneva II conference. Syria
Egyptian-Americans Split Over Morsi Coup The Egyptian-American community is divided and frustrated over US policy toward Egypt. Egypt
Regional Turmoil Casts Shadow On Israelis’ New Year’s Eve Israelis will celebrate the Jewish New Year with the threat of the Syrian civil war, the revolutions in Egypt and other changes in the region; next year doesn't promise more stability. Palestine
Jerusalem Mayor: City Must Remain Outside Peace Negotiations Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat's re-election campaign has heightened tensions between former Foreign Minister Avigdor Liberman, supporting Barkat's opponent, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is yet to endorse a candidate. Israel
Obama's Unnecessary Red Line President Obama's hesitation in enforcing his own red line on Syria will make Israelis question his limits for Iran. Israel
Iraqi Secular Trend Responds To Religious Extremism In the face of increasingly influential religious forces, Iraq's secular and moderate figures attempt to play a part in developing the country’s national identity. Iraq
Islamic Jihad May Respond If Israel Enters Syria War Fighters from Al-Quds Brigades say they are ready to fight in Syria alongside Hezbollah if requested. Palestine
Syria's Bus Drivers Brave War to Provide Transport Bus companies operating between Lebanese and Syrian cities continue despite the high dangers of war. Lebanon