The future of political Islam: lessons from Turkey, Egypt Islamist parties can either hold on to their rigid ideological base trying to mold their societies to fit within their singular vision, or accept their role as an influential force in a democratic pluralistic regime, within which the rule of law must guarantee the protection of rights for everyone, including Islamists. Egypt
Sisi presidency no answer for Egypt's troubles The decision of Gen. Abdel Fattah al-Sisi to run for president will have far-reaching consequences for Egypt. Egypt
Residents of Beirut’s southern suburbs live in fear of attacks Following a string of attacks by extremist groups targeting the mostly pro-Hezbollah southern suburbs of Beirut, locals in this area carry on with their lives, although with tightened security measures. Lebanon
Tehran Stock Exchange plunges, baffling investors Why is Iran’s stock exchange falling under President Hassan Rouhani and after the easing of sanctions? Turkey
Settlement mayor: Renouncing Jordan Valley will destroy Likud Ma'ale Adumim settlement Mayor Benny Kasriel says, ''Anyone who'll concede the Jordan Valley will find himself out of the Likud Party.'' Palestine
Netanyahu readies alibi for collapse of peace talks The bickering between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and HaBayit HaYehudi Chairman Naftali Bennett is the warm-up for the main event, when the US-brokered peace talks collapse. Palestine
Erdogan visit to Iran to address Syria, economic ties The visit of Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan to Tehran will offer an opportunity to defuse tensions on Syria while expanding economic relations. Syria
New Saudi writers offer form of Islamic liberation theology A new generation of Saudi writers is blending Islam and global values for freedom and dignity in calling for reform. Saudi Arabia
Ruins of Gaza airport tell sad tale Twelve years have passed since Israel destroyed Gaza's international airport, and there's no hope it will be rehabilitated anytime soon. Palestine
Pope's statement in Davos a rare moment of hope Pope Francis' statement read at Davos was a counterbalance to political unrest and economic uncertainty around the world. Lebanon
Government, Brotherhood fail to attract Egyptian youth Both the current Egyptian authorities and the Muslim Brotherhood have failed to attract the support of the youth, while women participated in the recent referendum to support stability. Egypt
Jordan’s balancing act on Syria Jordan-Syria ties remain on edge as Geneva II talks continue. Saudi Arabia
Crisis in Yarmouk camp in Syria unites Palestinians The suffering of Palestinian refugees in the besieged Yarmouk camp in Syria has united Palestinians in outrage. Palestine
Ya'alon blamed for neglecting Israelis living near Gaza Heads of localities in southern Israel near Gaza blame Defense Minister Moshe Ya'alon for neglecting their security, following decision to cut back the defense budget despite the turmoil in the Sinai Peninsula. Palestine
Iran, world powers may hold nuclear talks in New York State Department deputy spokesperson Marie Harf has said that the first round of P5+1 talks geared toward negotiating a comprehensive deal on Iran's nuclear program might be held during mid-February in New York. Originals
Israel's separation fence accommodates settlers This week, the Israeli Supreme Court will hear a petition against the last portion of the separation fence, planned to cut through a unique ancient terrace landscape. Palestine