Doing the math on Egypt’s referendum Egyptians go to the polls today to vote on amendments to the constitution. Egypt
Economist discusses Rouhani's 'radical neoliberal policies' Prominent economist Fariborz Raisdana charges that President Hassan Rouhani's administration is pursuing neoliberal economic policies that fail to address Iran's structural economic woes. Iran
Contacts between the Vatican, Beirut increase ahead of elections There have been increased contacts between Lebanese Christian figures and officials from the Vatican, reflecting the latter’s growing concern for the upcoming presidential elections in Lebanon. Lebanon
Hakim launches political initiative to resolve Anbar crisis A new initiative by Ammar al-Hakim may succeed in solving the Anbar crises because it relies on more than security measures. Iraq
Legal teams battle over evidence in Morsi trial As the trial of former Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi continues, his defense team argues that much of the state's evidence is inadmissible. Egypt
Egypt referendum could revive Arab nationalism If approved, Egypt's constitutional referendum could pave the way for a presidential run by Defense Minister Gen. Abdel Fattah al-Sisi in the tradition of former President Gamal Abdel Nasser. Egypt
Will interim agreement boost humanitarian trade with Iran? Under terms of the deal to be implemented starting Jan. 20, the P5+1 promise to facilitate the establishment of a channel for humanitarian and other legal trade with Iran, but European banks are unlikely to rush back into relationships with Iran and US banks remain off-limits. Iran
Violence in Yemen overshadows National Dialogue Long-standing political cleavages between north and south remain unresolved. Yemen
In North Sinai, militant threats cloud referendum vote Sinai residents are preoccupied with security as they prepare to vote in the referendum on the constitution Jan. 14-15. Egypt
Turkey’s financial practices under review At the Feb. 9 meeting of the Financial Action Task Force, Turkey will most likely remain on the "gray list." Turkey
Special tribunal may foreshadow agreement on Lebanon government Various domestic and regional developments, most notably the first session of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon to be held this week, could be the necessary spark for Lebanese factions to finally agree on a government. Lebanon
Sharon's legacy: Only death is irreversible The late Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's legacy, including the disengagement from Gaza, was designed to hinder an agreement with the Palestinians in the West Bank. Palestine
Palestinians may be missing the point on Sharon legacy The Palestinians consider him a war criminal, while the settlers have not forgiven the Disengagement, but these contradictory opinions testify their inability to grasp the leadership and complex personality of late Prime Minister Ariel Sharon. Palestine
Islamic Front no answer for Syria conflict The ascendance of the Islamic Front, while contributing to the recent military defeats of the Islamic State of Iraq and Al-Sham (ISIS), may also be a setback for Geneva II and a political solution to the conflict. Syria
Palestinians in Gaza celebrate Sharon's death While many Palestinians in Gaza are glad to see Sharon pass, several factions have expressed disappointment at the Israeli leader's dying without facing justice for crimes committed. Palestine
Egypt fears Ethiopia Renaissance Dam threatens water supply The celebration for the 54th anniversary of Egypt’s Aswan Dam have been overshadowed by concerns over water shortages because of the Ethiopian project. Egypt
