The continuing evolution of al-Qaeda 3.0 A revived al-Qaeda is effectively filling vacuums created by autocrats and failed reformist governments, who are planting the seeds for the next generation of recruits. Saudi Arabia
Ankara suspected of arming jihadists in Syria Turkish security discovered a truck full of weapons en route to Syria, creating yet another controversy for the Erdogan government. Syria
What you should know about Turkey's AKP-Gulen conflict The recent AKP-Gulen split in Turkey has surprised many in the country and turned old allies into enemies. Turkey
Israel delays settlement bids during Kerry visit For the duration of the US secretary of state’s latest visit, the Israeli government will avoid announcing new bids for settlement construction. Palestine
Israeli legislature battles over Jordan Valley Labor Knesset member Hilik Bar has presented a bill against annexing any territories within Judea, Samaria and Gaza, heading off a proposed annexation of the Jordan Valley. Palestine
Ariel Sharon's decisions shaped today's Israel Former Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, the founding father of the settlements, realized one day that the burden of the occupations was far too big and initiated the historic disengagement from the Gaza Strip. Israel
Can Iran’s private banks make a difference? The Iranian government will need to enact policies to support private banks for Iran’s private sector to grow in 2014. Iran
Resolution of Anbar crisis requires security, political coordination Baghdad must combine security and political efforts to bring an end to the current crisis involving al-Qaeda and the Sunnis in Anbar province. Iraq
Unregulated hunting threatens Iraqi bird populations While Iraq has long enjoyed a rich heritage of hunting, modern techniques and a lack of regulation are severely diminishing certain native species and harming the environment. Iraq
Turkey: What to expect in 2014 Al-Monitor presents an in-depth look ahead at the key political dynamics and events likely to define Turkey in the coming year. Turkey
Iranian parliamentary corruption scandal implicates notorious figure A report implicating Iranian parliament members and newspaper editors singles out Saeed Mortazavi, a notorious figure within the Islamic Republic of Iran. Iran
Erdogan's corruption defense falls flat Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s tactic of reversing corruption allegations has been disputed by his own party members. Turkey
Chatah's assassination marks rise of extremism In Lebanon, Syria and Iraq, the forces of moderation are being displaced by the forces of extremism. Saudi Arabia
Was Thursday’s Beirut blast linked to Sidon attack? A security source said that Thursday’s explosion in Beirut may have been prepared in a hurry and may be linked to the attack on a Lebanese army checkpoint in Sidon on Dec. 15, 2013. Saudi Arabia
Silence continues over abduction of Syrian human rights lawyer A strange silence has followed the abduction of Syrian human rights activists in Eastern Ghouta. Syria
Suicide bombers disguised as pilgrims infiltrate Iraq The suicide bombers who have been striking Iraqi pilgrims are motivated by jihadist ideology. Iraq
