Iraqi elections will be about Maliki Iraqi electoral coalitions are expected to fragment before the upcoming general election in April 2014. Iraq
Palestinians play resignation card to protest Israeli settlements Unable to break off the talks, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has decided to reshuffle his negotiating team to send a message to Israel. Palestine
Turks visit Ataturk’s mausoleum in record numbers More than a million Turks visited Anitkabir on Nov. 10, marking the 75th anniversary of the death of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the founding father of modern-day Turkey, in protest of the current Islamist-based government. Turkey
Liberman to Rebuild US-Israel Ties Returning Foreign Minister Avigdor Liberman intends to rebuild his ministry as a focal point for diplomatic negotiations and a political platform for his path to the premiership. Israel
Netanyahu government 'Israelizes' east Jerusalem While the idea of two capitals for two states is being discussed between the Israeli and Palestinian delegations, Jerusalem's mayor and the government promote building plans in east Jerusalem. Palestine
Disaster response team boosts Israel's image abroad A Home Front Command unit that spent the past few years providing assistance in disaster areas around the world has become the most effective tool in the battle over Israel’s image worldwide. Israel
Saudi Arabia cracks down on illegal immigrants The latest crackdown raises larger questions about the role of foreign labor in Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia
Turkey's approach toward Iraq's Shiites will reduce sectarianism Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu has visited the holy Shiite cities of Najaf and Karbala, as Ankara shifts its approach toward Iraqi Shiites. Iraq
Jordan rejects Jewish prayer at Al-Aqsa mosque compound A bill before the Israeli Knesset would allow Jewish prayer at the Al-Aqsa mosque compound and, if passed, inflame Israel-Jordan tensions. Palestine
Public opinion sways Gaza death penalty verdicts There are concerns that Gaza's judiciary is being influenced by public opinion, obstructing defendants seeking to avoid a death penalty from receiving a fair trial. Palestine
Up close and personal with Hamas' Mourabitoun unit In an exclusive, Al-Monitor gained rare access to one of Hamas' most reputable brigades, the Mourabitoun, which are likely to play a lead role in any future confrontation with Israel. Palestine
Gaza's unmarried couples defy social traditions Relationships outside marriage remain taboo in Palestinian society, but some are daring to challenge tradition. Palestine
No respite for Tunisia's working women The revolution has not been felt among Tunisia's working-class women, who work long hours in taxing jobs to provide for their families. Tunisia
Some Iraqis remain in Damascus despite war Many Iraqis who live in Syria prefer to stay despite the war, because they consider the killings in Baghdad to be more "random." Iraq
Syrian Kurdish Party declares transitional government The move by the Democratic Union Party (PYD) is opposed by Turkey and the Syrian National Coalition. Syria
Iran’s red line on enrichment Forget France and Israel; talks are probably stuck on Iran’s insistence on its right to enrich uranium on its own soil. Iran
