Netanyahu absent from Knesset battle over ultra-Orthodox draft Ofer Shelah, chairman of the Yesh Atid Knesset faction, calls on the prime minister to present immediately for voting the ultra-Orthodox draft bill: "This was what half the coalition negotiations, if not more, were about." Israel
Israel shaken by decision to indict Rabbi Pinto The serious charges to be filed against Rabbi Yoshiyahu Pinto have generated a storm among the Israeli public days after the police recommended that Rabbi Yona Metzger be indicted for bribery and fraud. Israel
Women in Lebanon still threatened by sexism, violence Several cases of kidnapping, violence and other acts against women indicate that Lebanon still has a long way to go in ensuring gender equality. Lebanon
Lebanon between Obama and Hollande Similar to the convergence between the United States and France over Lebanon in 2005, one between Presidents Barack Obama and Francois Hollande may soon help Lebanon gain a new government and president. Lebanon
Underage marriages growing in Iraqi cities "Uneven" and underage marriage in Iraq, a long-standing tradition among rural communities, is now spreading to the cities and is accepted by many. Iraq
France, United States differ on business with Iran A French business delegation comes away with the sense that Iran is ready to turn a page in its economic ties with the West. Iran
Kerry battles Israel’s complacency Israel’s political leaders do not share anything close to the US secretary of state’s urgency to reach an agreement with the Palestinians. Palestine
104 lawmakers urge Congress not interfere in Iran diplomacy 100 House Democrats and 4 House Republicans have signed a letter to President Obama supporting robust diplomacy with Iran and urging congress not to interfere with the delicate negotiations. Originals
Liberman's secret plan to storm the Likud Party Foreign Minister Avigdor Liberman considers registering thousands of his supporters in the Likud Party, which will enable him to take control of it on his way to the premier's seat. Palestine
Syrian opposition radio airs own 'Car Talk' In Istanbul, Syrian dissident radio station Radio Al-Kul has a hit with its show “My Car Has Stopped.” Syria
Hariri, Nasrallah speeches will shape next steps in Lebanon Two speeches, one by Saad Hariri on Feb. 14 and one by Hassan Nasrallah on Feb. 16, will decide whether a new Lebanese government is formed. Lebanon
Gaza's cancer patients suffer due to siege, division The political division between Gaza and Ramallah, in addition to the Israeli-Egyptian blockade, is leaving cancer patients in the Gaza Strip without adequate medical care. Palestine
Iraqi media also characterized by political, sectarian bias Media outlets in Iraq have become widely recognized as platforms for propaganda to garner political support. Iraq
Downfall of Israel's Hadassah hospital sign of deeper crisis The collapse of the Hadassah hospital demonstrates that as long as the government avoids dealing with powerful interest groups that control the economy and threaten politicians, the next fiasco is just a matter of time. Israel
Turkey’s media manipulation: from denial to 'so what?' All Turkish actors, from the government to the media to religious groups, need to recognize their limits to avoid the trend toward an illiberal society. Turkey
Iraqi politicians split on third term for Maliki There are indications that Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki will run for a third term despite criticism and opposition from various political parties. Iraq
