Erdogan caught off guard in latest political crisis Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan may opt for early elections to ride out the corruption storm. Turkey
Israeli Bedouin relocation plan put on hold The representative of the unrecognized Bedouin localities is not encouraged by the shelving of the governmental relocation plan: "In the end, the Bedouin will be forced to accept a solution that they do not want." Israel
Netanyahu delivers hard-line speech at Likud convention Speaking at the Likud Party convention, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reverted to his old rhetoric on the Palestinian issue, giving no reason to believe that he is heading toward a historic decision. Israel
Ten years on, Iraqis still divided over Saddam’s legacy Ten years after the deposed Iraqi president's capture, Iraqi citizens are left with conflicting lessons from the Saddam Hussein era. Iraq
Iraq looks to expand trade with Iran While officials in both Baghdad and Tehran stress that they are eager to further expand trade relations between the two countries, some Iraqis fear that the government’s pro-Iran policies could be hurting local merchants. Iraq
Despite risks, women continue to protest in Egypt Although female demonstrators in Egypt are subjected to a number of risks, they have developed ways of minimizing these dangers and still insist on taking to the streets to protest. Egypt
Iran nuclear deal is model for 'rule-based' international relations An Iranian diplomat writes that the "joint action plan" agreed in Geneva last month reflects Iran’s commitment to "rule-based" international relations. Iran
Can Turkey’s Kurds, military ever reconcile? A court case in Diyarbakir provides hope for the first time for reconciliation between the Turkish military and Kurdish citizens. Iraq
Turkish journalists caught in cross fire of AKP-Gulen conflict The latest corruption scandal will be no picnic to cover. Turkey
Gul may be winner in Turkey’s 'mother of all battles' Abdullah Gul and Turkish democracy may be the winners in the latest AKP-Gulen escalation. Turkey
Poll: Settlers would consider leaving West Bank for 'genuine peace' A survey indicates that Palestinian recognition of Israel as a Jewish state will encourage settlers to leave their homes in the framework of a future peace agreement. Palestine
Al-Monitor breaking barriers in Middle East At a panel marking the first-year anniversary of ''Israel Pulse,'' academics and Al-Monitor contributors emphasized the importance of having a multinational news site, which initiates discussion that concerns all peoples of the region. Israel
President Suleiman's remaining time in office As possible elections to replace Lebanese President Michel Suleiman loom in May, the head of state shows his resoluteness to fulfill his duties. Lebanon
Iraqi weapons market surges during Syria conflict The illegal weapons trade in Iraq has seen a spike in activity as armed sectarian militias grow more numerous and weapons are smuggled into Syria. Iraq
14 Egyptian women will rejoin student protests after release from jail In an exclusive interview with Al-Monitor following their release, young women from the Saba al-Sobh Movement who were arrested during a protest in Alexandria say they will continue to oppose military rule. Egypt
Iraq’s sectarian militias assume larger role Having instilled fear in local populations, Sunni and Shiite militias across Iraq maintain an iron fist over the daily affairs of Iraqi citizens. Iraq
