Turkey’s restart in regional and foreign energy policies Ankara is recasting its policies toward Cyprus, Israel, Azerbaijan and Iraq. By Yavuz Baydar
Turkey charts new course in Iraq Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu's recent visit to Baghdad, Najaf and Karbala is the latest sign of a new, dual-track policy on Iraq that is endorsed by the United States. By Semih Idiz
Occupied Palestine marks 'Independence Day' The Palestinian Authority still celebrates Independence Day as declared by Yasser Arafat in 1988 despite there not being an independent Palestinian state. By Linah Alsaafin
Iraq: Oil companies tighten security following attack Following the Nov. 1 attack on the Ahdab oil field in southern Iraq, foreign oil companies operating in the country have tightened security measures while the government tries to ease concerns. By Aysar Jabber
No end in sight for Gaza crisis Until Egypt is in a position to push through an internal Palestinian settlement, the crisis in Gaza is likely to continue. By Daoud Kuttab In Amman, reporting on Palestinian politics
House Intel Committee Chairman worried about bad deal on Iran Rep. Mike Rogers (R-MI), Chairman of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, says Congress should pass further sanctions on Iran. By Andrew Parasiliti In Washington, DC, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, national security
Human rights overlooked in nuclear talks While the UN negotiates with Iran over the country's nuclear program, human rights is not on the agenda By Dokhi Fassihian
Iran slows nuclear advances in possible goodwill gesture Taken together, Iran’s pledge of new cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency and the slowdown in its overall nuclear program could facilitate agreement next week in Geneva. By Barbara Slavin
Iranians embrace foreign cuisine Foreign restaurants in Tehran are thriving despite international sanctions. By Susan Modaress
Deal could double Iran breakout time: ex-US official Former US Defense Department official Colin Kahl has said the deal proposed to Iran by the P5+1 would double the time it would take for the Islamic Republic to produce enough highly enriched uranium for a nuclear bomb. By Laura Rozen
Report on Nile River Basin bolsters Egypt A new report indicates that, despite claims to the contrary, Egypt is not receiving an inflated share of the Nile's waters. By Walaa Hussein
Arab societies must build 'citizen-states' The Arab state system needs to better apply to concepts of civil society. By Sami Nader
Iranians slam France on nuclear talks Iranian media, politicians and citizens have reacted harshly to what they perceive as French obstructionism in the nuclear negotiations. By A correspondent in Tehran In Tehran, reporting on politics
Turkey returns to balance in Baghdad, KRG ties Turkey is flirting with Baghdad while dancing with Erbil. By Fehim Tastekin In Paris, reporting on Turkish politics
Syrian Alawites hope for change in Turkey Syrian Alawite refugees face discrimination and hardship in Turkey. By Pinar Tremblay
Iraq's Jaafari law would violate human rights A draft law that would impose the principles of Jaafari jurisprudence on Shiite marriages would violate many human rights protected under Iraq's civil code. By Muhannad Al-Ghazi