The true face of Israeli poverty Reports published lately indicate a growing number of families that are under the poverty line, while experts warn of an even worse report next year, unless drastic measures are taken. Israel
Turkey bans media from Security Directorate buildings The Interior Ministry decided to ban journalists from entering police premises across the nation at the height of the corruption and bribery scandal. Turkey
Boycott threat should be a wake-up call to Israelis While settlers are creating an almost irreversible reality in the occupied territories, even those opposing the idea of an international boycott on Israel might change their minds. Palestine
Egypt's Coptic churches on alert during Christmas holidays Egyptian security is taking several measures to protect Coptic churches during the holiday season, especially since it coincides with former President Mohammed Morsi's trial on Jan. 8. Egypt
Europe threatens to put pressure on settlements with product labeling EU Ambassador to Israel Lars Faaborg-Andersen warns that Europe will show zero tolerance for settlement activity, increasing political pressure on member countries for labeling products from the settlements. Palestine
Egypt turns to business, civil society in Nile water dispute The Egyptian government has reached out to civil society and the private sector to extend its influence in Ethiopia and other Nile Basin countries. Egypt
An appeal to Lakhdar Brahimi A cease-fire and the immediate holding of Geneva II must be at the top of Special Envoy to Syria Lakhdar Brahimi and the UN's agenda. Lebanon
Iranian Kurds disappointed with Rouhani Some Reformist Kurds in Iran had hoped to have a Kurdish representative as governor for their region. Iran
How long can Lebanon’s private sector bail out government? Despite the mismanagement and corruption in the Lebanese government, the country’s economy has not collapsed yet because of its private sector and foreign remittances, but that situation may not last long. Lebanon
Saudi Arabia’s commercial class looks to future Jiddah’s thriving business environment represents one of several competing visions of the kingdom’s future. Saudi Arabia
Divided Iraqi leaders shirk responsibility With each successive outbreak of violence or natural disaster, Iraqi leaders, particularly Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, continue to point the finger of blame at their opponents. Iraq
Nasrallah warns of consequences of Sidon violence In a speech on Dec. 20, Hassan Nasrallah warned of the grave implications an increasingly volatile Sidon could have for the whole of Lebanon. Lebanon
Yemen wastes time Yemen's National Dialogue is hindered by a lack of accountability and effective time management. Yemen
Iran increases role of clerics in public schools Social activists are worried about a new policy that will station clergy in an expanding circle of public schools in Iran. Iran
Christmas in Turkey Snapshots of changing Christmas and New Year's celebrations in Turkey portray a picture of cultural divisions. Turkey
Erdogan goes on offense against corruption charges The government of Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan claims a foreign plot is behind the corruption charges. Turkey
