Expectations low for Gaza Tamarod protest Hamas and political analysts do not expect significant demonstrations on Nov. 11 as Tamarod tones down its rhetoric ahead of the protest. By Asmaa al-Ghoul
Another Egyptian president on trial A dangerous and profound rift in Egypt will not be healed soon. By Bassem Sabry
Morsi's trial escalates split in Egypt The violent reactions to the beginning of former President Morsi's trial show that Egypt is in need of a speedy reconciliation. By Clovis Maksoud
The return of Turkey’s 'zero problems' policy Turkey rebuilds ties to Iran and Iraq and faces the realization that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad will likely be part of the transition in Syria. By Semih Idiz
Iraqi checkpoints provide little security In the ever-volatile Iraqi capital, many citizens fail to feel reassured by the hundreds of security checkpoints that mostly slow down daily life around the city. By Mushreq Abbas
Turkey mostly mum on chemicals seized on Syria border The latest chemical-seizure incident is drawing attention to lax control of Turkey’s border. By Fehim Tastekin In Paris, reporting on Turkish politics
The water threat in Iran Water scarcity is becoming a source of popular frustration with the government in parts of Iran. By Meir Javedanfar
Levant Christians consider threats to their communities During a gathering of Christian representatives from various Near East countries in Beirut, participants were divided when it came to determining their main enemy and strategies for the future. By A correspondent in Beirut
Hamas reconciles with Gaza Salafists After years of tension, Hamas has reached an understanding with local Salafists that will allow them limited activity if they cease conducting operations independent of Gaza's armed factions. By Adnan Abu Amer
The challenges of covering Syria Italian freelance journalist Andrea Glioti has covered Syria since the uprising began three years ago, dodging danger and border controls to get the story out. By Andrea Glioti
The tragedy of Palestinian revisionism The author responds to Linah Alsaafin, who called Acre a “city in northern Palestine.” By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Kerry's Palestinian economic plan another dead end? The details and process for US Secretary of State John Kerry's $4 billion economic plan to date are discouraging. By Omar Shaban
Turkey's Jewish community in decline More and more Jewish families are leaving Turkey. By Shlomi Eldar
Iran parliament issues warning against women smoking hookah Twenty parliament members have warned President Hassan Rouhani about the dangers of women smoking hookah at tea houses. By Mehrnaz Samimi In Washington, DC, reporting on Iranian culture
UAE replaces Qatar as Egypt's partner on Suez project Egypt has been coordinating with the United Arab Emirates on the Suez Canal project, amid growing public outcry at the lack of transparency surrounding it. By Ayah Aman In Cairo, reporting on politics and culture
Facebook campaigns denounce Egyptian films that degrade women Several Egyptian groups have emerged to denounce locally made films they believe are degrading to women and to demand legislation to protect women. By Walaa Hussein