Public apathy may help Israeli-Palestinian peace President Mahmoud Abbas' public concessions to Israel have not stirred grumblings on the Palestinian street, perhaps pointing to an opening to strike a deal. Palestine
Egyptian security forces abuse female detainees Young women, including students and mothers, are victims of physical and psychological abuse after being arrested and jailed by Egyptian security forces. Egypt
Hamas tests anti-aircraft missiles Palestinian armed groups in Gaza are said to possess anti-aircraft missiles, but their capabilities remain limited. Palestine
Rising rate of plastic surgeries sparks debate in Iraq Plastic surgery is on the rise in Iraq as more and more young women rebel against conservative social norms and traditions. Iraq
Egypt syndicates withdraw financial aid to revolution victims Egypt's professional syndicates are being cleansed of pro-Muslim Brotherhood boards and no longer delivering payments to those who were injured or lost family members in the revolution. Egypt
Turkey misunderstands its 'Magnificent Century' Hasan Koz, an ordinary Turkish citizen, filed a court case suing Sultan Kanuni Suleiman for ordering the death of his son Mustafa. Turkey
Rouhani takes on privatization in budget Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, in a departure from the previous administration, has turned in his budget on time and has made conservative decisions in consideration of the difficult economic realities facing Iran. Iran
Turkey defers to Baghdad on oil from Iraqi Kurdistan Iraqi Kurdistan Regional Government Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani has been conducting shuttle diplomacy between Baghdad and Ankara to facilitate an agreement. Iraq
Jordan on slippery slope in Syria war Jordanian officials worry that allowing the transport of weapons to Syrian rebels across Jordanian territory could make it a target of retaliation, while opening up its borders to foreign fighters. Jordan
New Lebanese cabinet's challenge is to sustain its credibility Lebanon's new cabinet gets to work amid increased sectarian violence at a time of economic downturn and as a weakened civil society is suffering from the spillover of the Syrian crisis. Lebanon
Chalabi: Anbar crisis sign of 'political failure' in Iraq In an exclusive interview with Al-Monitor, Ahmed Chalabi shares his views on the upcoming elections, the economy and the de-Baathification law. Iraq
Israel waits for Egypt to deal with terrorists in Sinai Israel observes the rise in Salafist violence just over its border in Sinai with alarm and waits for Egypt to take the necessary action. Egypt
Study recommends US interests section in Tehran The successful conclusion of a long-term nuclear agreement with Iran could open the way for the return of US diplomats, but Iran must guarantee their safety. Iran
Iraqis welcome Interfaith Harmony Week As Iraq welcomed Interfaith Harmony Week at the beginning of February, there is a need to separate religion from state and reform school curricula in the country. Iraq
Lebanon’s new government based on mutual oversight After a governmental vacuum that lasted 11 months, Lebanese parties have finally formed a government based on Sunni and Shiite groups providing a supervisory role to the other, with Christians serving as mediators. Lebanon
Netanyahu absent from Likud politics Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s repeated avoidance of the Likud Party's internal politics and his silence on the current public debates are adding to the confusion and suspicion that dominate the governing party. Israel
