Egypt braces for constitution referendum Amid growing concerns over violent activity across Egypt, the country’s interim administration is taking steps to ensure the success of the planned constitutional referendum. Egypt
Erdogan’s dream turns into a nightmare Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan blames an "international plot" for the corruption scandal that so far has seen three key AKP ministers resign. Turkey
Through the lens of Muhammad Hassunah: 1970s Gaza Prominent Gazan photographer and filmmaker Muhammad Hassunah speaks to Al-Monitor about Gaza in the 1970s and his artistic experiences. Palestine
Gaza’s strawberry crop damaged by storm The recent winter storm, striking right at harvest time, heavily damaged the strawberry crop in the Gaza Strip. Palestine
Israeli youths spread goodwill at a Jerusalem market Dozens of young people roam a Jerusalem market every Thursday evening to help elderly people carry their grocery bags in exchange for life stories and tips on living. Israel
Netanyahu adds Pollard to Israeli-Palestinian equation Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has decided to use the American espionage as leverage for releasing Jonathan Pollard, a deal which might facilitate the acceptance by the Israeli right of an agreement with the Palestinians. Palestine
The battle for Egypt’s doctors' union A Christian female doctor leads an effort that wrests control of the Egyptian Doctors Syndicate from the Muslim Brotherhood for the first time in 28 years. Egypt
Will Tehran remain Iran’s political capital? The government may consider moving the capital, but a change is unlikely. Iran
Israeli right proposes taxing NGOs that back boycott HaBayit HaYehudi Knesset member Ayelet Shaked endorses a bill designed to limit foreign donations to Israeli groups supporting a boycott against Israel. Palestine
US-Turkey crisis averted over corruption probe The United States may be rankled, however, by the Turkish prime minister implying that Washington was part of international conspiracy behind the corruption scandal. Turkey
Gaza Christians yearn for Bethlehem Harsh travel restrictions imposed by the Israeli authorities prevent Gaza’s Christian minority from visiting Bethlehem during the holidays. Palestine
Dawa official calls for opening another American university in Iraq The Islamic Dawa Party has long resisted “Western cultural penetration” in Iraq, but the dire state of education in the country has prompted Education Minister Ali al-Adeeb, a Dawa Party official, to call for opening an American university in Iraq. Iraq
Knesset member tries to shut out Arab-Israeli soccer club Knesset member Miri Regev has called for suspending the Arab-Israeli Bnei Sakhnin soccer club from the Israeli league over the raising of Palestinian flags during a match, ignoring racist actions by Jewish rival fans. Israel
Netanyahu looks to leverage Snowden scandal to secure Pollard's release Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has two cards to play when lobbying for Jonathan Pollard's release: the US espionage scandal and the expected third phase of the Palestinian prisoner release. Israel
African asylum seekers in Israel march on Jerusalem to protest conditions In defiance of the High Court of Justice, Israel is detaining hundreds of people while claiming they are free. Israel
Haifa University rejects honorary doctorate for right-wing Nobel laureate Haifa University decided against granting an honorary doctorate to Nobel laureate Yisrael Aumann. Israel
