Iran’s four-part plan for a political solution in Syria The best approach to a political solution in Syria lies in addressing both the threat of international terrorism and the urgent humanitarian crisis, as well as a national and international process leading to a direct vote by the Syrian people, according to Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Hossein-Amir Abdollahian. Syria
Iran-India energy ties may take off If the P5+1 and Iran agree on a nuclear accord, India’s energy sector stands to benefit. Iran
Alevis want back places of worship seized by Ataturk The return of Alevi places of worship could be a milestone in Turkey’s democracy. Turkey
An Israeli leftist finds glimmer of hope Can this common declaration, written by former Knesset member Einat Wilf and professor Mohammed S. Dajani Daoudi, unite Israelis and Palestinians around the divisive issue of Israel as a Jewish state and Palestine as the Palestinian people's homeland? Palestine
Netanyahu misreads Obama on settlements At his address to the AIPAC conference, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ignored the warning by US President Barack Obama that the continued settlement policy would isolate Israel even further. Palestine
Erdogan's endless legitimacy crisis Neither the ballot box nor a harsher regime seem to be able to rescue Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan from his current political troubles. Turkey
Egypt-Iran relations stuck in neutral Cairo and Tehran have been seeking to stabilize ties and find common ground on Syria and Palestine ever since Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi was deposed and Iranian President Hassan Rouhani was elected. Egypt
Russia, Turkey weigh options in Crimea Does the Turkish response in Crimea foreshadow an opportunity or a challenge for Russian policy? Turkey
Baghdad Arab cultural festival brings message of peace Despite criticism of the celebration of Baghdad Capital of Arab Culture, the events, which were attended by a majority of Arab countries, left a positive impact on Iraq and conveyed a message of peace to the Arab peoples. Iraq
Iraqi politicians must restore ethics to politics Recent political disputes and corruption have led Iraqi politicians to forgo their primary roles and focus on merely gaining power, money and influence. Iraq
Gulenists use hate speech against Shiites, Iranians Turkey’s Gulenists, hostile to Iran and to Shiites, incite Sunnis to enmity and hatred against Shiites. Turkey
Egypt ban surprises Hamas Egypt's decision this week to ban Hamas activities has caught the Palestinian Islamist movement off guard, with concerns it's heading on a collision course with Cairo. Palestine
Yemeni ports see traffic decline dramatically Piracy and the rise of competing ports has cost Yemen’s Aden Port a lot of business. Yemen
Turkey dependent on Russian gas via Ukraine Turkey’s energy-supply vulnerabililty continues unchanged from earlier crises. Turkey
'Omar' Oscar nomination a win for Palestinian film industry Palestinian filmmakers are celebrating the success of Hany Abu-Assad's "Omar," which received an Oscar nomination for best foreign film. Palestine
Palestinians see Abbas as sell out in peace talks President Mahmoud Abbas' ideas of a demilitarized Palestinian state with no sovereignty over its borders are considered by many Palestinians as humiliating concessions. Palestine