Kerry, evangelist of Israeli security and Palestinian peace Secretary of State John Kerry employs all the US expertise to first resolve the security problem between Israelis and Palestinians, hoping that such a compromise will allow discussion of the core issues. Palestine
Suleiman: Parliament should not boycott presidential election Lebanese President Michel Suleiman criticized Hezbollah for going to fight in Syria and called for fixing some of the constitution’s flaws. Palestine
Iraqi authorities fail to protect journalists Journalists are increasingly being targeted by attacks and killings in Iraq, while the government stands by in silence. Iraq
Abu Zaida calls on Abu Mazen to hold elections Despite the gunshots fired at his car and threats on his life, Fatah official Sufian Abu Zaida continues to demand that democratic elections be held in the Palestinian Authority: “Nothing will stop me from expressing my views.” Palestine
Israelis witness Lapid change course, back peace talks Yesh Atid Chairman and Minister of Finance Yair Lapid has changed course, openly supporting the talks with the Palestinians, but his statements must be followed by deeds. Palestine
Egypt’s 'Rocca the giraffe syndrome' Like the giraffe that died in the Giza Zoo last week, Egyptian political forces seem to be knocking their heads against the wall. Egypt
Hezbollah escalates rhetoric against Riyadh While Hezbollah and Saudi Arabia have been at odds for months over their opposing positions in the Syrian war, Hezbollah has recently escalated its rhetoric, directly accusing Riyadh of waging open warfare against the party. Saudi Arabia
Egypt takes hard line against student protests The Egyptian government continues to take tough measures against student protests, warning it will continue to use security forces to quell unrest in university campuses. Egypt
Petra's former cave dwellers neglected by authorities Although the Jordanian government implemented a plan in the 1980s to relocate the cave dwellers of Petra to modern villages, they are now facing governmental neglect, with some families threatening to return. Jordan
Popular Front's role wanes in Palestinian politics Once a high-profile Palestinian resistance movement, the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine is today a shadow of its former self. Palestine
Iranian hard-liners in parliament go after Rouhani’s team Hard-liners in parliament have become vocal critics of Rouhani's cabinet and have even begun the preliminary steps to have one minister impeached. UPDATED 12/10/13 Iran
Now is the time to engage Iran on human rights On International Human Rights Day, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran, a former Maldivian foreign minister, is ready to work with the government of Iranian President Hassan Rouhani for the benefit of Iran’s citizens. Iran
Kurdish peace process is on knife edge — again Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) members kidnapped four Turkish soldiers on Sunday only to release them early Monday; this has caused people to question the progress of talks with PKK leader Abdullah Ocalan. Iraq
Netanyahu worries about US reset in region If Iran is no longer a diplomatic taboo, could Hamas and Hezbollah be next for Washington? Palestine
Egyptian youth activists need protest plan The broader Egyptian population is wary of more protests. Egypt
Kerry has reason for optimism on Israeli-Palestinian talks The US secretary of state's optimism over the Israeli-Palestinian talks is reasonable, considering their current goals: Right now, the sides are mapping out the points of disagreement, something they may well accomplish. Palestine
