Obama should see peace process through History suggests that only a resolved American president, such as former Presidents Jimmy Carter or George Bush, Sr., can persuade the Israelis to come to an agreement with the Palestinians. Palestine
Syrian Kurds agree to disagree Despite agreeing to speak with a single Kurdish voice at Geneva II, Syria's Kurds are far from united on how to administer the Kurdish areas in the future. Syria
Egypt's government fails to end civil strife, terrorism The Egyptian government’s recent decision to list the Muslim Brotherhood as a terrorist organization is meant to draw attention away from criticism directed at the government and will not help address Egypt’s primary challenges. Egypt
Iraq fails to attract domestic capital Due to the deteriorating security situation as well as underdeveloped financial and banking apparatuses, Iraqi capital has been migrating outside the country. Iraq
Will Iran, Hamas resume relations? Following a split between Iran and Hamas over a number of regional issues, most prominently the Syrian conflict, the two sides have once again restored relations, according to sources in Hamas. Palestine
Talks with Palestinians return to Israel's public discourse Pressure on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu from opponents within and outside his coalition has grown in sync with advances in talks with the Palestinians. Palestine
Yemeni tribal checkpoints take travelers off guard In the past two years, checkpoints set up by gangs and tribes have become widespread in Yemen. Yemen
Storm recovery could bring Abbas to Gaza The recent devastating storm could prompt a visit by Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas to the Gaza Strip and potentially expedite Palestinian reconciliation efforts. Palestine
Saudi Arabia's Gulf Union project includes military dimension Saudi Arabia begins 2014 with an assertive plan for regional leadership. Saudi Arabia
The year in Palestinian hip-hop The Palestinian hip-hop scene released a broad variety of productions in 2013 that are pushing the genre to another level. Palestine
Egypt's decision fuels vigilante violence against Muslim Brotherhood The Egyptian government's labeling the Muslim Brotherhood a terrorist organization has seemingly fueled vigilante violence against Brotherhood members. Egypt
Chatah assassination marks dangerous escalation After the assassination of Lebanon's former finance minister, efforts must be made to protect Lebanon from further sectarian breakdown. Lebanon
Israel, Hamas caught in 'the Gaza trap' Israel and Hamas are trapped in the same dilemma: avoiding escalation on the Israeli-Gaza border requires cooperation between them, but such cooperation portrays each side as weak. Palestine
Egypt to send public delegations to Nile Basin neighbors Following a recent workshop, the Arab Water Council has decided to send public delegations from Egypt to other Nile Basin countries to strengthen ties and calm the crisis over water shares. Egypt
Romanian FM: Obama should intervene in Israeli-Palestinian talks Romanian Foreign Minister Titus Corlatean is doubtful about Israelis and Palestinians arriving to an agreement soon, unless US President Barack Obama intervenes. Israel
Israel uses storm to locate Gaza tunnels A new report indicates that Israeli intelligence took advantage of the recent storm that hit the Gaza Strip to locate Hamas-operated tunnels by tracking storm damage and sinkholes. Palestine
