UPDATE: Egypt may take Nile dam dispute with Ethiopia to UN After negotiations broke down between Cairo and Addis Ababa regarding the Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, the Egyptian government is considering internationalizing the issue through filing a complaint with international bodies. Egypt
Iraq a hotbed of human trafficking Although the Iraqi government enacted a law criminalizing human trafficking in 2012, it's rarely if ever enforced. Iraq
Egypt’s Brotherhood appeals to International Criminal Court Egypt’s Muslim Brotherhood has filed a complaint with the ICC to investigate alleged abuses committed by the current authorities since June 30 in an attempt to internationalize their cause amid decreasing domestic support. Egypt
Bibi’s final status map leaves little room for Palestine The Israeli-Palestinian peace talks eventually come down to the map. Palestine
New developments in Paris killings threaten to derail PKK peace talks The Kurdish peace process in Turkey faces a new obstacle as leaked documents raise suspicions that Turkish intelligence was behind the slaying of three Kurdish activists in Paris last year. Turkey
Geneva II: the view from Aleppo Syrians have little interest in the diplomatic gamesmanship; they want a return to normalcy. Syria
Russia, Iran set stage for Geneva II; Turkey’s slow turnaround on Syria Russian and Iranian diplomacy have helped shape the Geneva II agenda to include a cease-fire, humanitarian relief and counterterrorism in Syria. Syria
Palestinian tale of love, politics gets Oscar nomination Acclaimed film director Hany Abu-Assad's latest film, "Omar," is nominated for an Academy Award. Palestine
Kurdish movement worries crisis in Turkey might undo the 'peace process' The Kurdish movement is giving conditional support to Erdogan and his party, which are experiencing a serious legitimacy crisis as a result of corruption and bribery allegations. Turkey
Jordan-Iran ties may show early signs of thaw Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif's visit to Jordan last week was well-received, but there is still is a legacy of mistrust. Jordan
Syrian Kurds feel left out of Geneva II Syrian Kurds fear the upcoming Geneva II conference will ignore their voice and not recognize a form of Kurdish autonomy in northern Syria. Syria
Erdogan vs. Gulen: Who has God on his side? Political secularism may be the best path to moderation. Turkey
Settlements thwart Kerry's peace plan The harsh comments by Israel's Defense Minister Moshe Ya'alon make clear the obstacles facing US Secretary of State John Kerry's peace plan. Palestine
Russia plays the Iran card Moscow believes that Iran's role in the Middle East will only become more prominent in the future, prompting it to further boost relations at the expense of US regional influence. Syria
Erdogan still popular despite graft probe The graft probe seems to have had no impact on people’s support of Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Turkey
Turkey shifts toward Iran on Syria Turkey is resetting its relations with Iran, including over Syria. Syria
