Watch Trendlines “Blowback?: Ukraine and the Middle East" The next PBS NewsHour-Al-Monitor web special will focus on the implications of the crisis in Ukraine for US policy in the Middle East. Saudi Arabia
Iranian activists say celebrating Women's Day is 'not enough' Iranian President Hassan Rouhani has appointed women to his cabinet, but his administration must do a lot more to address discrimination against women in Iran. Iran
What next for Qatar and the GCC? Following the decision by Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates to withdraw their ambassadors from Qatar, will Doha reassess its foreign policy to ensure it can continue playing the vital role of mediator in thorny regional issues? Saudi Arabia
Iranian bar association seeks greater independence Twenty-five percent of candidates for the Iranian Bar Association's board of directors have been rejected by the High Regulatory Council of Judges. Iran
Iraq Notebook: No talk of the Turkish model Although Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu spoke in Kurdish during a conference on his first visit to Sulaimaniyah, most Iraqis wonder what happened to the once promising Turkish model for the region. Iraq
Women's empowerment key to development in Arab world As International Women’s Day approaches, it is vital to remember that female empowerment furthers the rights of everyone in the Arab world. Lebanon
Reversing Turkey's brain drain Turkey is proud of the positive results of the initiatives taken to attract skilled researchers to return from abroad. Turkey
In latest tape, Erdogan calls judiciary Leaked tapes suggest Recep Tayyip Erdogan interfered directly in the judiciary to curb press freedom. Turkey
GCC rift another blow to Erdogan’s Mideast policies Turkey is increasingly isolated in the region, more so as Qatar is on the outs with other members of the Gulf Cooperation Council. Saudi Arabia
Protesting Erdogan a la Turca Despite all the authoritarian tactics employed to contain dissent, Turkish protesters are finding creative ways to stand up against the ruling party. Turkey
Syria conflict 'incubator of extremism,' Burns tells Senators During a hearing Deputy Secretary of State William Burns told the Senate Foreign Relations Committee that the Syrian Civil War is engendering extremism and attracting foreign fighters who may later carry out "external attacks." Originals
A Sisi presidency will not work Abdel Fattah al-Sisi will not be able to make the kind of political or economic deal which will move Egypt toward political or economic stability. Egypt
Iraqi Shiite clerics maintain humility, influence The Shiite clerics of Najaf have always provided a spiritual reference to their followers, while at the same time playing an important role on various levels. Iraq
Right-wing Knesset members lash out at Arabs for ratings Housing Minister Uri Ariel's remarks against Arab Knesset members aim first and foremost to attract headlines, says Arab Knesset member Mohammad Barakeh in an interview with Al-Monitor, but they sometimes serve Arab Knesset members as well. Israel
Israel's 'campaign between the wars' with Iran The latest capture of a vessel carrying weapons en route to the Gaza Strip reveals Israel's ongoing battle against Iranian attempts to gain a military foothold in the region — while nuclear negotiations follow their course. Palestine
Dahlan-Hamas reconciliation to open doors in Egypt Hamas leaders met with former Fatah official Mohammed Dahlan in Abu Dhabi to create a framework to deliver financial aid to the Gaza people, and so doing chipped a small crack in the wall between Egypt and Hamas. Palestine