The US Working Group is right on Egypt A member of the US Working Group on Egypt responds to Wael Nawara's criticism of the Working Group's recommendations on US policy toward Egypt. Egypt
Kerry lets Europe play the boycott card with Israel The United States and Europe are playing good cop-bad cop in the negotiations with Israel. Palestine
Pressure grows for Gul to be more assertive There are some who see Abdullah Gul as a better bet than Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan for the presidency and the future of the Justice and Development Party. Turkey
Clans play decisive role in Iraqi elections Given the weakness of the central state and a lack of overall security, citizens have continued to rely on clans and tribal affiliations, something that will play a significant role in upcoming parliamentary elections. Countries
Will Lebanon have to start from scratch to form new government? As the governmental vacuum persists and Lebanese Prime Minister-designate Tammam Salam fails to reach a consensus among rival parties, it seems likely that the cabinet formation process may start over. Lebanon
Iranian activist lauds rise of 'citizen journalism' in Iran In an exclusive interview with Al-Monitor, prominent Iranian journalist-activist Isa Saharkiz discusses politics and reform under President Hassan Rouhani. Iran
Iran opens new chapter in relations with Russia While Moscow and Tehran have historically been neither friend nor foe, and challenges remain, shared interests on Syria, counterterrorism, security and energy could move Iran and Russia increasingly toward more comprehensive strategic cooperation. Turkey
Former Shin Bet chief says Bibi needs back channel to Abbas Avi Dichter, former Shin Bet chief and minister, tells Al-Monitor that although Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has solid standing, he is not the last Palestinian leader who will be able to sign an agreement with Israel. Palestine
Israel 'National Singer' tainted by sex scandal Israeli police has decided not to press any charges against singer Eyal Golan, but revelation of his conduct leave many of his admirers disheartened. Israel
Human Rights Watch condemns situation in Iraq Despite Iraq having numerous governmental and nongovernmental human rights groups, the state of human rights in the country is dismal, according to Human Rights Watch. Iraq
Egyptian government introduces unified Friday prayer guidelines In an effort to root out Muslim Brotherhood influence from Egypt’s 150,000 mosques, the Egyptian Ministry of Religious Endowments is imposing a unified Friday sermon for mosques throughout Egypt. Egypt
Syrian Kurds recruit regime loyalists to fight jihadists The Democratic Union Party (PYD) has reportedly established Arab brigades made up of regime loyalists. Syria
Jordan skeptical of US-led peace plan Jordan may be forced to accept an Israeli-Palestinian peace settlement not to its liking. Palestine
Relations among Syrian Kurdish parties hit new low The Kurdistan National Council (KNC) and the Democratic Union Party (PYD) are in dispute over power-sharing arrangements. Syria
What Iran’s Foreign Minister told German TV about Israel, Iran In a long interview with Germany’s Phoenix TV Zarif hinted that if Israel were to reach a peace deal with Palestine the Iranian recognition of Israel might be possible. Originals
Assad's staying power confounds Kerry One year on the job, US Secretary of State John Kerry is still seeking ways to change Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s "calculation." Syria
