Syrian opposition split over peace conference The National Coalition of Syrian Opposition and Revolutionary Forces is meeting in Istanbul to consider participating in the Geneva II peace conference. Syria
Diplomat says P5+1 divided over draft Iran accord The P5+1 delayed a meeting this morning with Iran because the 'the western side is divided' according to one diplomat. Originals
Kerry, Zarif meet on nuclear accord as talks extended As Kerry joins the P5+1 nuclear talks with Iran gaps narrow, but a few significant outstanding issues stand in the way of a deal. Originals
Interior minister links coed housing with terrorism Turkish Interior Minister Muammer Guler argues that his government is concerned about coed accommodations not due to its sexual aspects, but because terrorist organizations abuse these relationships. Turkey
Turkey unlikely to upset Iraq in KRG energy deal Turkey’s energy initiatives with the Kurdistan Region of Iraq are not likely to jeopardize a possible warming trend in Ankara-Baghdad ties. Business
Netanyahu rejects 'deal of the century for Iran' Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US Secretary of State John Kerry reportedly clash before Kerry headed to Geneva for the Iran talks. Israel
Despite Swiss report, controversy over Arafat's death continues The publication of the Swiss inquiry into the death of Palestinian Authority Chairman Yasser Arafat does not offer an end to the debate over whether he was poisoned. Palestine
Israeli Labor Party MK argues Yachimovich is no team player Labor Party MK Erel Margalit opposes Chair Shelly Yachimovich's leadership, arguing that she has failed to garner the support of the industrial sector and lead a strong opposition socioeconomic agenda. Israel
Police reforms to combat sexual violence not enough Several initiatives by Middle East countries may be a good start, but there is still a long way to go to combat sexual violence in the region. Yemen
Erdogan's unwelcome intervention in college life The Turkish prime minister’s legislative attempts to interfere in the private lives of citizens reveal a mindset that places his will above the law. Turkey
Kiss sparks debate in Iraqi Kurdistan On the charred remains of a modern symbol of love in the Iraqi Kurdistan city of Sulaimaniyah, a young couple sparked a public debate about the religious versus secular nature of Iraqi Kurdish society. Iraq
US official on Syria: 'half the population is suffering' US Assistant Secretary of State for Population, Refugees and Migration Anne Richard discusses the Syrian humanitarian crisis with Al-Monitor. Jordan
Turkish hijab activist calls on state to keep out of private life In an interview, Merve Kavakci-Islam, who was elected to Turkey’s parliament in 1999 but was unable to serve because of wearing a headscarf, said that Turkey is moving toward a “more citizen-friendly, Muslim-friendly, woman-friendly secularism.” Turkey
'Culture of fear' for region's minorities Conferences recently dedicated to the plight of Middle East Christians need to be understood in broader context. Egypt
Palestinians want to know who killed Arafat Palestinians are not surprised by the findings of the Swiss forensic report that the late PLO leader Yasser Arafat's body contained high levels of polonium. Palestine
Israeli police warn of rise in organized crime Israeli criminal organizations are stepping up their ruthlessness, adapting their operational methods to the modern era and penetrating government circles. Israel
