US, EU pressure Palestinians to accept security plan The Palestinian government is resisting a US security plan it considers biased toward Israel, allowing the Israelis to maintain a military presence in the Jordan Valley. Palestine
Demolishing Alexandria’s heritage Egypt's post-revolutionary instability has contributed to the demolition of Alexandria's historic districts. Egypt
US security guarantees can reassure Israeli public on Iran American security guarantees can protect Israel from an Iranian nuclear threat, reassuring the Israeli public and opening the way to meaningful negotiations with the Palestinians. Palestine
Israel's constituency of conscience Israel's "constituency of conscience" emerges when its leaders eulogize Nelson Mandela while Palestinian residents are oppressed and dispossessed — and that is a hopeful sign for the future. Palestine
Israel's silent partner? There may be common interests shared by Jerusalem and Riyadh, but there is no "alliance" on the horizon. Saudi Arabia
HaBayit HaYehudi blocks Israeli gay revolution Meretz Knesset member Nitzan Horowitz says the HaBayit HaYehudi Party, which was thought to be civic-minded and liberal, is obstructing legislation to prevent discrimination against gays time after time. Israel
Iraq seeks to become regional trade hub As its economy continues to struggle, Iraqi officials are working to improve the country's transportation sector to make it an international trading hub. Iraq
Journalist killings in Egypt remain unresolved A year after his death last December, justice may yet come for Egyptian reporter Al-Hosseiny Abou Deif as deposed President Mohammed Morsi faces trial for the 2012 killing of protesters. Egypt
Demand for women-only buses in Istanbul Demands for women-only buses indicate a deeper debate about Islamization of Turkish public space. Turkey
Syrian events continue to develop in Geneva, Ghouta Though the battles taking place in both places take different forms, the events going on in Ghouta and Geneva will bear significantly on the near future of the conflict. Iraq
Turkey and EU attempt to re-energize ties Despite their half-century of hot-and-cold relations, Ankara and the European Union are trying to mend fences for Turkey's EU membership bid. Turkey
Gamers take on Iranian revolution The Iranian director of the popular video game “Grand Theft Auto” has created a new one that takes place in and around 1979 Iran. Iran
Egypt bids farewell to Fagoumi, the 'poet of the people' Egyptians mourned the death on Dec. 3 of renowned poet Ahmed Fouad Negm, whose work inspired generations of revolutionary activists. Egypt
Animal carts collect Gaza's garbage due to siege A lack of fuel has sidelined garbage trucks in Gaza, prompting officials to switch to animal carts for collection. Palestine
Syrian FSA fades in shadow of Saudi-backed opposition front This week, the United States and the United Kingdom suspended nonlethal aid to the Syrian opposition, fearing equipment could fall into the wrong hands. Saudi Arabia
Rouhani’s first budget reflects realism, discipline Iranian President Hassan Rouhani’s budget submission to the parliament implies hope for sanctions relief and private sector investment. Iran
