Iranians want more than a nuclear deal While most Iranians were excited about the nuclear deal, many hoped that it would be the first step of bringing normalcy and stability back to their lives. Iran
Pope Francis confronts indifference, cynicism Pope Francis has opened many vistas that constitute opportunities for enlightened policies, not only for the Catholic Church, but a significant contribution to the dialogue of civilizations. Pan Arab
Turkey's constitution commission keeps working Although the Turkish Constitution Reconciliation Commission has stalled in writing a new constitution, no political parties are eager to announce its end. Turkey
Egypt’s new government repeats its predecessor's mistakes The transitional government cannot count on the endless patience of Egypt’s public while insisting on repeating the same mistakes which ended its predecessors' reign. Egypt
Activists detained protesting outside Egypt Shura Council While the president-appointed committee met to prepare the new Egyptian Constitution, activists protested outside their meeting, only to be harassed and detained by security forces. Egypt
Efforts to impose Sharia law in Iraq spark controversy Attempts to establish Sharia law in Iraq have exacerbated political rifts in a country torn by those advocating secularism and those calling for an Islamic state. Iraq
Pottery making an endangered Gaza craft Gaza's local pottery industry is yet another victim of the Israeli-Egyptian siege, as exportation is all but impossible, and electricity cuts hinder production. Palestine
Israeli musical giant Arik Einstein mourned by Israel Singer Arik Einstein symbolized to Israelis all that was and is beautiful, pure, modest and creative in the country. Israel
Singer Arik Einstein: a synonym for all things Israeli Israelis grieve the sudden passing away of singer Arik Einstein, an indispensable part of Israel's music heritage; "Einstein is dead and something has also died in each and every one of us." Israel
Former Israeli intel minister says US-Israel ties critical in dealing with Iran In an interview with Al-Monitor, former Minister of Intelligence and Atomic Energy Dan Meridor says Israel should join the global campaign against Iran rather than attacking the first-step agreement. Israel
Turkey rebuilds ties to Russia on regional issues Turkey reconsiders its relations with Russia, testing a more pragmatic approach to the region. Turkey
Egypt’s new protest law provokes demonstrations, backlash Egyptian police use water canons and tear gas to disperse protests. Egypt
Netanyahu plays the Iran card in Israeli politics Can Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu adjust to the possible change offered by the agreement with Iran? Israel
Israeli Bedouin on strike against relocation bill Israeli Bedouin reject the Prawer Plan, aimed at regularizing their illegally constructed localities in the south of Israel by tearing down homes and relocating them in crowded ''Bedouin towns.'' Israel
Netanyahu's alarm about Iran balanced by military chiefs Contrary to the alarmist stance of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, past and present chiefs of Israel's Defense Establishment do not reject the agreement signed with Iran. Israel
Turkey’s AKP-Gulen conflict in context The row over private tutoring halls between the Justice and Development Party (AKP) and the Gulen community is just a smoke screen in their power struggle over controlling the state. Turkey
