Syrian government and opposition jockey ahead of Geneva II As preparations continue for the Geneva II conference, both the Syrian opposition and the regime seem increasingly divided over their respective positions on the talks. By Haytham Mouzahem (Syria Pulse)
Syrian Baath militia commander goes rags-to-riches The civil war has enabled a few military-minded individuals to make significant profits off the misery of millions of Syrians. By Edward Dark
AKP, Gulen community in open war The war between the AKP and its former de facto partner, the Gulen community, is heating up amid reports of government plans to shut prep schools, a sector where Gulenists are hugely influential. By Kadri Gürsel
Sewage flood pushes Gaza crisis to new heights The siege on Gaza prompted a sewage treatment plant to cease operating, flooding the nearby neighborhood with human waste. By Rasha Abou Jalal In Gaza City, reporting on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict
David Makovsky joins Indyk's Middle East peace team Veteran Middle East scholar David Makovsky has joined Martin Indyk's Middle East peace team as a senior adviser and strategist. By Laura Rozen
Turkey backing off support for jihadists on Syria border Turkey’s fading support for Syria’s jihadists is a boon for the PYD; Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu tells Al-Monitor Ankara never aided al-Qaeda-affiliated groups. By Amberin Zaman In London, reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Wife of Turkey Foreign Minister says women’s rights improving The Turkish Foreign Ministry sponsored an event on Monday to demonstrate concern about violence against women. By Barbara Slavin
Israeli police neglect crime in Israeli Arab sector Israeli police dedicate vast resources to fight organized crime in central cities, but little effort fighting violence and crime in the Arab Israeli sector. By Shlomi Eldar
Fathoming Iran's nuclear intentions Iran is already a civilian nuclear power; international safeguards should be enough to prevent it from getting the bomb. By Akiva Eldar
Turkish artist breaks stereotypes Reknowned artist and well-known leftist Kutlug Ataman surprises with his support for Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and the Justice and Development Party. By Nagehan Alci
Saudi film captivates Israeli moviegoers "Wadjda" opens a window into Saudi society and the phenomenon of feminism there, unknown to the Israeli public. By Jacky Hugi
Iraq's unknown future It's no secret that Iraq’s present situation is dire; however, the question is still pertinent regarding what we can expect for the nation’s future. By Mustafa al-Kadhimi
Egypt's rulers face first test with gas shortage Public support for Egypt's new government could take a drastic turn if it fails to solve the country's persisting gas shortage. By Ayah Aman In Cairo, reporting on politics and culture
The coming three battles of the Syria war Will Geneva II or three battles determine the course of the Syria war? By Jean Aziz (Lebanon Pulse)
Saving the Iran deal – and the Syrian state Ratcheting up sanctions on Iran risks a chance to end the war in Syria. By Scott A. Field
Rouhani tackles unfinished projects Former President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s plans to create jobs by subsidizing projects with small and medium-sized enterprises were a failure, leaving the new president to pick up the slack. By Bijan Khajehpour In Vienna, reporting on Iranian politics