The Russian key to Hamas The appointment of the first spokeswoman might ameliorate the image of Hamas in the West, but the key to its rehabilitation lies actually with Russia. Palestine
7 reasons Iran nuclear deal a win-win for all parties Yukiya Amano, director-general of the International Atomic Energy Agency, signed a new agreement today with Iran addressing outstanding technical concerns about its nuclear program. Iran
Netanyahu could lose his Iran card If Tehran and the world powers enter into a long-term diplomatic process that slows down Iran’s nuclear program, Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will be left without the one major issue that topped his agenda for the past few years. Israel
Iraqi security services infiltrated by terrorists Extremist militias are acquiring official security and military uniforms and equipment which allow them to further compromise the country’s already unstable security situation. Iraq
Palestinian youths lack role model Many young Palestinians are frustrated with the suffocation of democracy by the two main political parties and by their exclusion from the political scene. Palestine
Internal disagreements could lead to al-Qaeda split Recent disagreements between al-Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahri and ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi could lead to major splits within the organization. Iraq
Will US cave to Netanyahu again? US Secretary of State John Kerry's blunt words for Israel shows he is withstanding pressure from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, but for how much longer? Palestine
Islamic militia expels criminal gangs from Aleppo The al-Qaeda-affiliated Islamic State of Iraq and al-Shams has won the praise of Aleppans after expelling criminal gangs that have looted and ravaged the city. Syria
Iran nuclear deal key to political solution in Syria Despite significant progress in the Geneva nuclear talks over the weekend, time may be short, given the opposition of Israel and some in Congress, with implications for Syria. Iran
Progress, but no deal yet, as Iran talks conclude While gaps narrowed during the latest round of talks between the P5+1 and Iran, a nuclear accord was not reached. Originals
Rouhani, Zarif on the clock to get nuclear deal A divided P5+1 is both a boon and a challenge for Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif. Iran
Egypt’s tale of two generals The contrasts between former Chief of Staff Sami Anan and current Defense Minister Abdel Fattah al-Sisi could not be more stark. Egypt
Jordanian hospitals manage care for wounded Syrians Almost every hospital in Jordan has a ward where Syrians can receive free health care after being severely wounded in Syria. Syria
For France, Arak is a deal killer The French government is right to demand limits on the Arak heavy water reactor, as Iran is right to insist on sanctions relief, if both sides seek to build confidence. Iran
What happened to Turkey’s Islamized Armenians? A conference on Armenians, Islamized during the genocide years, is an encouraging sign that Turks are facing up to a painful chapter of their history. Turkey
