Bombings renew fears in Beirut’s southern suburbs Although the Lebanese in general, and the residents of Beirut’s southern suburbs in particular, felt relieved after security breakthroughs and arrests, their fears have been renewed since the Feb. 19 twin attacks in Bir Hassan. Lebanon
Sistani's critics want greater activism in Iraqi politics Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani is under increasing attacks from within the Shiite religious establishment for his reserved and amicable approach. Iraq
Hamas sinks in polls after cutting salaries to public servants Hamas' popularity has fallen behind Fatah in the Gaza Strip, according to recent polls, as frustration mounts over its handling of the territory's economic crisis. Palestine
Kuwait abandons regional neutrality, backs Egypt's Sisi Kuwait had sought to steer clear of Arab uprisings by remaining neutral, but its decision to back Egypt's Field Marshal Sisi marks a shift in policy. Gulf
Burns previews Obama pitch to Saudis The US Deputy Secretary of State says that “the quality of the agreement” on Iran’s nuclear program will ultimately determine if Saudi Arabia’s concerns are addressed. Saudi Arabia
The ‘gray wolf’ threat to Erdogan and the AKP Prime Minister Erdogan’s fears about the ultranationalist MHP may come true in the upcoming elections. Turkey
Turkish president signs controversial Internet legislation Turkish President Abdullah Gul inflamed controversy by signing restrictive Internet legislation into law. Turkey
Israeli government turns blind eye to boycott snowball Companies around the world join the boycott of settlement products, while the Israeli right promotes a controversial law designed to punish Israelis who support the boycott. Palestine
Syria war sparks Turkish Alawite anxiety The Syrian war has led Turkey’s Arab Alawites to embrace their Alawite and Arab identity. Turkey
The legacy of racism toward Mizrahi Jews The publication of the protocols of the riots in Wadi Salib, disclosing the racism of Israel’s founding generation toward the Mizrahi Jewish population, could have initiated a genuine debate. Israel
World powers, Iran agree on roadmap for 'marathon' nuclear talks A senior US official has said that reaching a comprehensive nuclear accord with Iran will be a 'very difficult, complex process.' Originals
Diplomats: Agenda, timetable agreed for Iran final deal talks The first round of comprehensive nuclear deal talks between the P5+1 and Iran came to an end with agreement on the issues a final accord would need to address and a timetable for the negations. Originals
Iraq moves to preserve Christian heritage, Syriac language In light of the mass exodus of Christians from Iraq following the 2003 war, the government has initiated steps to teach Christian religious studies and the Syriac language in some public schools. Iraq
Egypt seeks to halt Ethiopian dam Egypt has launched a diplomatic offensive to convince European powers to pressure Ethiopia against building the Renaissance Dam along current specifications. Egypt
Gul faces backlash over support for Internet bill 40,000 disappointed Turkish Twitter users unfollowed President Abdullah Gul after he approved a controversial Internet bill. Turkey
