Twitter sheikhs of Saudi Arabia From the “Dear Abby” sheikh to the more conservative, a wide range of Saudi clerics now have millions of Twitter followers. Saudi Arabia
Nasrallah hints at change in approaches to US, Lebanon In a recent interview, Hassan Nasrallah signaled Hezbollah's possible willingness to reconsider its relations with the United States and accept full integration into the Lebanese state. Lebanon
Haniyeh turns to Gaza's intelligentsia In meetings with Gazan's intellectuals, Hamas Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh sought opinions on the Strip’s most pressing issues from those outside the movement. Palestine
Syrian and Iraqi Kurds more divided over Syria The Syria war is proving to be a divisive, rather than unifying, force among the Kurds of Iraq and Syria. Iraq
Academic boycott of Israel should open dialogue The vote by the American Studies Association to boycott Israeli academic institutions is a protest that should be heard at the highest levels of the US government. Palestine
Cosmetics boom in Iran Iranian woman use cosmetics at an increasing pace, increasing the demand even for counterfeit products. Saudi Arabia
Turkey-Israel ties await 'normalization' For now, both Turkey and Israel may prefer the status quo. Israel
Hamas, Israel develop unwritten understanding for coexistence Common interests have resulted in Israel and Hamas establishing channels of communication for cooperation. Palestine
Israel debates legalizing medical marijuana The Israeli medical community is debating the use of medical marijuana for veterans who suffer from lasting post-war trauma. Israel
Israel benefits from Hamas' decline Hamas finds itself in one of its lowest points ever, abandoned by Cairo, Tehran and Damascus and forced to keep a quiet border with Israel. Palestine
Turkey’s give and take with EU on visa policy Ankara has started uphill talks with the EU on visa-free travel for Turkish citizens in return for agreeing to take back immigrants who illegally enter the EU via Turkey. Turkey
Terrorism continues to shake Lebanon’s security The Salafist jihadist current has been on the rise in Lebanon as a result of the Syrian conflict. Lebanon
Alevi jitters worsen in Turkey Turkey’s Alevi community fears that the government’s ostracizing rhetoric and policies are encouraging discrimination and physical attacks. Turkey
Whatever happened to the Arab Spring? Three years on, the old Arab order remains and the democratic transition is still distant. Pan Arab
Attack on Hanan Ashrawi unfair Daoud Kuttab responds to Shlomi Eldar’s criticism of the PLO Executive Committee member, urging the Israeli columnist to address the occupation instead of attacking a Palestinian figure defending the rights of her people. Palestine
Hamas calls off anniversary celebrations Hamas has denied that the cancellation of its big anniversary celebration in the Gaza Strip is the result of declining popularity or financial problems. Palestine
