Abbas delivers message of peace to Israeli students Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas' speech to 300 visiting Israeli students mark another attempt to ease Israeli concerns about a peace deal. Palestine
Lebanese border town overwhelmed by Syrian war, refugees The influx of more than 70,000 Syrian refugees is causing an infrastructural nightmare for the Arsal municipality, which has been left to pick up the pieces almost entirely alone. Lebanon
A Palestinian contradiction: working in Israeli settlements Many Palestinians resent having to work in Israeli settlements, but have no choice as the Palestinian economy offers few alternatives. Palestine
US, Russia should agree on a 'secular' Syria The objective of a revived diplomatic process should be assuring a secular state, not necessarily Assad's departure. Syria
Nasrallah: Hezbollah has 'right' to wage 'pre-emptive war' in Syria Hezbollah's secretary-general vows to keep fighting in Syria to protect Lebanon. Saudi Arabia
US, Iran need to contain war of words With talks beginning in Vienna on Feb. 18 , on a comprehensive nuclear agreement, rhetoric on both sides can make the already difficult compromises that much harder. Iran
Ocalan extends hand to Armenians Abdullah Ocalan, head of the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), has written a letter that seems to turn a new page in the bitter Armenian-Kurdish relationship. Turkey
US: Iran final deal talks 'complicated, difficult' but 'best chance' Senior US officials have said that reaching a final deal with Iran will be difficult but that the current negotiating circumstances give the 'the best chance' the world has had to resolve concerns over Iran's nuclear program. Originals
'Cash box’ crops up in Turkey’s Africa opening The revelation that official Turkish aid to Somalia was delivered in boxes full of cash has raised questions about Turkey’s Africa policies. Turkey
'Foloul' loses its punch in Egypt The term foloul, or "remnant," was once widely used by the revolutionaries against anyone associated with the Hosni Mubarak regime, but the complexity of Egypt’s political situation has cost the term its effectiveness. Egypt
Sadr's sudden retirement shakes up Iraqi politics Iraqi cleric Muqtada al-Sadr, leader of a major Iraqi Shiite force, shocked the country by dissolving most of his political operation. Iraq
The return of Iran’s agricultural sector The appointment of the founder of a major biotechnology application to head of the Agricultural Biotechnology Research Institute of Iran (ABRII) has renewed hopes that agriculture in Iran is on the cusp of a revival. Iran
Russia fears escalation of Syria conflict Moscow remains committed to a political solution in Syria but worries that Saudi Arabia providing anti-aircraft missiles to rebel forces will only escalate and prolong the war. Syria
New US Syria policy should engage Iran As the talks on a comprehensive nuclear agreement with Iran commence this week in Vienna, there is also an opening to engage Iran on Syria and terrorism. Syria
Sen. Kaine says Russia can do more to resolve Syria crisis US Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA), a member of the Foreign Relations Committee, discusses US policy toward the Middle East with Al-Monitor. Syria
Abbas considers sacking Palestinian prime minister Palestinian Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah has fallen out of favor with President Mahmoud Abbas, who may replace him within the month. Palestine
