Turkey’s Militant Left Treads On 'New' Roads With its roots in armed rebellion against the state, the Turkish and Kurdish militant left looks for ways of waging political battles under a new banner. By Yasemin Çongar
Veiled MPs Set Milestone in Turkey The end of headscarf restrictions in Turkey will deprive the Justice and Development Party of the “victimhood” narrative and further expose the party’s authoritarian leanings. By Orhan Kemal Cengiz
Iraqi 'Exile' Politicians Build Patronage Networks Former exiles who are now leading politicans are perceived by many Iraqis as abusing their authority and privileges. By Harith al-Qarawee
Israeli Army Avoids Confronting Settler Violence West Bank settlers have once again attacked Palestinian residents and soldiers of the Israel Defense Forces, and once again the army and police showed no attempt to apprehend the lawbreakers. By Shlomi Eldar
Shas Leader Deri Fails In Municipal Elections Since his political comeback after 13 years of exile, Shas Party Chairman Aryeh Deri is committing every imaginable mistake, jeopardizing his stand within the party. By Mazal Mualem In Tel Aviv, reporting on politics
Israeli Municipal Elections Amplify Ultra-Orthodox, Secular Conflict Municipal elections in Jerusalem and in the declining town of Beit Shemesh testify to the intensity of the cultural war within Israeli society, where ultra-Orthodox and secular clash over Israel's image. By Daniel Ben Simon
Eva's Story Highlights Plight Of Women in Lebanon The story of a 13-year-old Lebanese girl who was kidnapped and forced into marriage highlights the overall plight of Lebanese women today. By Jean Aziz (Lebanon Pulse)
Dahlan-Abbas Reconciliation Not a Done Deal Attempts to reconcile the two Fatah rivals have so far failed, and have instead prompted internal Fatah bickering. By Adnan Abu Amer
Lebanon: Between Tripoli and Balochistan Northern Lebanon is paying the price for the rise of radicalism in the region. By Sami Nader
Turkey Crosses Threshold On Islamic Headscarves Turkey is breathing a sigh of relief after four female AKP deputies wearing headscarves to the parliament's general assembly caused only minor grumbling from the staunchly Kemalist opposition. By Semih Idiz
Senator Levin Backs Delay On Iran Sanctions Bill The chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee opposes new Iran sanctions while the United States “probes” Iran’s sincerity in negotiating limits on its nuclear program. By Barbara Slavin
Israel Weighs Its Options This week's regional conflicts include sluggish negotiations between the Israelis and Palestinians, another mysterious strike in Syria and Ayatollah Khamenei's "disappearance." By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
The Saudi Leadership Crisis US Secretary of State John Kerry will try to persuade the kingdom to be part of the solution to the crisis in Syria. By Madawi Al-Rasheed
Saudi Women Drivers Not Deterred by Arrest A Saudi womens' activist writes that arrests won't stop women from pushing for their right to drive. By Eman al-Nafjan
'Next Generation' Seeks WMD-Free Zone in Middle East A network of young strategists from across the region sees new opportunities for the elimination of weapons of mass destruction.--
Palestinian Government Boosts Sports As Means of Resistance The Palestinian government has been cultivating national sports and athletics in a bid to revive patriotism and forge unity. By Daoud Kuttab In Amman, reporting on Palestinian politics