Poverty rates on the rise in Iraq The security crisis in Anbar and the crisis in governance have contributed to a declining Iraqi economy. Iraq
Israeli security chiefs modify assessment on Syrian war The Israel Defense Forces estimate that the Syrian war may last a decade, ending with Syria being divided into several cantons, with jihadist forces on the Israeli border and Hezbollah gaining in military experience. Israel
Egypt’s museums looted during riots The wave of unrest and chaos in Egypt has given an opportunity for thieves to loot many of the country’s museums. Egypt
ISIS, al-Qaeda compete for supremacy in global jihad The Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS) has emerged as a major challenger to al-Qaeda as the leading brand in the global militant jihad movement. Syria
In Aleppo, friends offer glimmer of hope amid Syria tragedy A group of young men maintain their bonds of friendship despite differing political views on the Syrian war. Syria
Ex-Bush adviser: Israel could 'choke down' Iran deal In an interview with Al-Monitor, former national security adviser Stephen Hadley praised the Obama administration’s diplomacy on Iran and Iraq, but said he was "pessimistic" about Egypt, and that President Obama should leave troops in Afghanistan or else it would “confirm everybody’s worst fears about us getting out of the Middle East.” Egypt
Islamist Abul-Fotouh sits out Egypt’s election The decision by Abdel-Mon’eim Abul-Fotouh not to run for president leaves open who, if anyone, will pick up the Islamist mantle in the election. Egypt
Reformist resigns as head of Iran Cultural Heritage organization The resignation of the head of the Cultural Heritage and Tourism Organization has brought to light previous accusations of fraud and corruption under former President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. Iran
US says willing to join Russia in Syria peace talks The US has said it would be open to the Russian proposal that both countries join a meeting between representatives from the opposition, the Assad regime, and the UN. Originals
Russian wives in Gaza long for home Integration is difficult for the many women from the former Soviet republics who have settled in Gaza with their Palestinian husbands. Palestine
AKP fights Turkish 'porn lobby' for Internet purity New Internet legislation may yet backfire on Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his party. Turkey
Davutoglu says Turkish-Israeli relationship nears normalization Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu said the Turkish-Israeli relationship is closer to normalization than ever. Israel
Israeli foreign minister shifts to center With perhaps an eye on a future run for prime minister, Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Liberman is establishing himself as a key player in US-Iran relations and in any eventual agreement with the Palestinians. Palestine
More humanitarian work by UN will raise Syrian hopes As the Geneva II conference resumes, let us hope that efforts like the evacuation of Homs will quickly be repeated in other areas in Syria. Syria
Hamas deploys border patrol to prevent rocket attacks on Israel A recent round of rocket fire from Gaza and IDF air strikes was followed by an exchange of messages between the two sides and reaffirmation of a commitment by Hamas to try to prevent future rocket fire. Palestine
