Algerian opposition leader shares views on upcoming elections Abdelmadjid Menasra, head of Algeria’s opposition Front for Change, gives Al-Monitor his thoughts on the upcoming presidential elections and President Abdelaziz Bouteflika's prospects. Algeria
Unilateral steps may pave way for lasting Israel-Palestine peace An agreement by both Israel and the Palestinians to make concessions unique to their side may make it easier to arrive at a final deal. Palestine
Al-Qaeda-linked group exploits ISIS decline in Aleppo A recent field study in Aleppo finds Jabhat Al-Nusra and other "Islamic brigades" have benefited from the brutal tactics and unpopularity of the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS). Syria
Military escalation will add to Syrian catastrophe The remilitarization of the Syrian conflict as sophisticated weapons are sent to opposition forces means more violence, including the return of fighting to areas that have achieved cease-fires. Syria
Attack on Baha'i family in Iran raises questions of immunity Recent attacks on Baha'i followers in Iran have caused concern about the lack of accountability when it comes to pursuing the perpetrators. Iran
The paradox of higher education in Iran The increase in the number of private universities in Iran has not increased the level and quality of scholarly work in Iran. Iran
Lebanon experiences three diverse events The announcement of a new government in Lebanon was not the only news from the country this week. Lebanon
Knesset bill threatens Israeli-Arab representation In an interview with Al-Monitor, right-wing Knesset member David Rotem defended the governability bill designed to strengthen the government and its prime minister, even if it put him on a collision course with the Arab Knesset members fearing the rise of an electoral threshold. Palestine
Hamas official says 'Abbas doesn’t represent anyone' In an exclusive interview with Al-Monitor, Hamas official Mahmoud al-Zahar says "there is no agreement on the 1967 borders." Palestine
Rival Lebanese camps form unity government to fight terrorism After months of accusing each other of treason, rival Lebanese camps formed a unity government to fight the growing terrorist threat. Lebanon
16 women journalists on the Middle East front lines Al-Monitor asked 16 of the most prominent women journalists covering the Middle East about the role of gender in their work in the region. Near East
Iraqi journalists fear censorship after government issues arrest warrant After an arrest warrant was issued against a prominent journalist in Iraq, renewed fear of a return to censorship has emerged among journalists and activists. Iraq
Gaza hackers prepare for next assault on Israel A group of Palestinian hackers in Gaza talk to Al-Monitor about their cyberwar against Israel. Palestine
Saudi Arabia's ideological battle with terrorism Saudi Interior Minister Muhammad bin Nayef faces a local, regional and international battle to defeat al-Qaeda and related groups. Saudi Arabia
Libya’s troubled elections As Libyan voters elect a constitutional assembly to draft a new constitution, the country remains ungovernable in the proliferation of armed militias. Libya
