Saudi-Qatar divide means reset for GCC Saudi Arabia and Qatar have different ideas about what constitutes internal and external threats to the Gulf region, making their partnership within the Gulf Cooperation Council difficult. Saudi Arabia
Avoiding the 'disaster scenario' in Lebanon Lebanon at a crossroad: in the best-case scenario Lebanon would see a new president who forms a new government, while in a worst-case scenario no president is elected and the government does not enjoy parliament's confidence. Lebanon
UN Syria envoy Brahimi said to consider resigning UN Syria envoy Lakhdar Brahimi threatened the Russians to resign last week if they did not press the Assad regime to commit to a political settlement of the conflict in Syria. Originals
Jordan Valley essential for a viable Palestinian state US Secretary of State John Kerry should work to ensure that full sovereignty of the Jordan Valley is given to the Palestinians to ensure a future state is economically viable. Palestine
Egypt seeks Saudi help on Ethiopia water dispute Egypt has turned to Saudi Arabia to help pressure Ethiopia into compromising on the Renaissance Dam, which Cairo fears will cut off vital water supplies from the Nile River. Saudi Arabia
Iraqi atheists demand recognition, guarantee of their rights Following Sultan Sooud Al Qassemi’s article on atheism in the Gulf, atheism in Iraq is no longer limited to the intellectual elite, but has spread among all social classes, and there is a pressing need to ensure the rights of these citizens in the face of threats from extremists. Iraq
From Qusair to Yabrud: Shiite foreign fighters in Syria Foreign Shiite fighters are rallying to the defense of the Syrian government in the civil war, with implications for the future of Syria and the strategic balance in the Middle East. Iraq
Saudi-Qatar tensions divide GCC The announcement by Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates that they are withdrawing their ambassadors to Qatar is a further sign of the deterioration in Saudi-Qatar ties and the fragmentation of the Gulf Cooperation Council. Saudi Arabia
Is Tel Aviv's vegan craze here to stay? A vegetarian diet amasses more and more supporters in Israel, but is this a genuine change of heart, a fashionable trend or the latest outlet for an “acceptable” aggressiveness? Israel
Israeli workforce still dominated by men Unlike other Western countries, Israel invests little in daycare and maternity leave, which explains the concerning data in the state comptroller's latest report on the representation of women in the public service. Israel
Turkey resorts to water power with Cyprus pipeline project Turkey is hoping that a water-cooperation project will lead to energy collaboration with Cyprus. Turkey
Egypt faces drinking water shortage because of Nile pollution The growing Egyptian population is straining the country’s drinking water supply, which mainly comes from the Nile. Egypt
Iraqi youth turn to bingo-like game to forget their worries Dambala, a game similar to bingo, has become very popular in Baghdad, especially among the youth. Iraq
New Dostour Party leader shares her views on future of Egyptian politics Following her election as head of Egypt’s Dostour Party, Hala Shukrallah sits down with Al-Monitor to talk about political life in Egypt and the role of women in making social change. Egypt
Russia has Mideast options in response to Ukraine As the United States weighs its options in response to Russia’s moves in Crimea, Russia holds its own cards, especially with Syria and Iran. Syria
US-Russia Mideast cooperation in balance over Ukraine? In the absence of a diplomatic settlement between the West and Russia over Ukraine, Moscow may seek to capitalize on recent gains in the Middle East at US expense. Near East