Israel debates legality of 'Nazi' A new bill prohibiting the inappropriate use of the word "Nazi" brings into Israeli public debate the limits of free speech in a country dedicated to spreading the lessons of the Holocaust. Israel
Egyptian intellectuals call for fresh thinking about 'Jewish question' Writer Youssef Zeidan, with other Egyptian intellectuals, criticizes the institutionalized demonization of Jews and of Israel, calling to mend the relations between the two peoples, since this fracture affects Egypt first and foremost. Egypt
Can Turkish government do more to reduce pedophilia? The death of another “child bride” has put the family and marriage policies of the Justice and Development Party under scrutiny. Turkey
Russia a winner in improved US-Iran ties Russian-Iranian relations are expanding as nuclear negotiations gain traction. Iran
Sexual harassment in Egypt still widespread A number of activists and initiatives are working to combat widespread sexual harassment in Egypt. Egypt
Egypt-Ethiopia Nile dam talks hit dead end Talks between Cairo and Addis Ababa concerning the construction of the Renaissance Dam and Egypt’s rights to the Nile water have stalled, while Egypt remains preoccupied with internal crises. Egypt
Dahlan works Palestinian street to prepare comeback Exiled Fatah leader Mohammed Dahlan prepares for the day when negotiations with the Israelis fail, and Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas will be forced to vacate his seat and step down. Palestine
Kerry responds forcefully to Israeli insults The US State Department's response to recent Israeli insults reflects the new, tougher stance adopted by the Obama administration. Palestine
Iranian scholar: nuclear deal key to domestic reforms In an exclusive interview, Tehran University professor Zibakalam tells Al-Monitor that President Hassan Rouhani has correctly judged that resolving the nuclear crisis will give his administration the opportunity to pursue domestic reforms. Iran
Iran’s tourism industry struggles to meet growing demand While Iranian officials have stated they plan to grow Iran's tourism industry, challenges such as investment, visa requirements and cultural issues must be addressed. Turkey
'Mission impossible' for Turkey's ambassadors In his annual meeting with Turkey’s diplomatic corps, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan blames the outside world for the country’s political troubles. Turkey
Coffee in Gaza is a ritual for grief and creativity Despite the emergence of modern cafes and the growing popularity of espresso, some Gazans have preserved ancient Arabic coffee-drinking traditions. Palestine
Syrian government introduces Kurdish in universities The Syrian regime has offered another carrot to the Kurdish minority: the Kurdish language as a university course. Syria
Sistani silent so far on Anbar violence Iraqi Shiite cleric Ali al-Sistani has remained silent regarding developments in Anbar, in line with his vision of a clear division between religious authorities and the state. Iraq
Splits in Syrian opposition coalition ahead of vote The Syrian National Coalition is likely to vote ‘yes’ to attend Geneva II, but it could prompt a splinter within the group. Saudi Arabia
Israel in 2014: The Knesset Al-Monitor presents an in-depth guide to understanding of the key figures, alliances and issues likely to define Israel in the coming year. Israel
