The coming Saudi decentralization The appointment of Prince Muqrin as deputy crown prince reveals a trend toward multiple power centers within the royal family. Gulf
Why Turkey’s elections matter The ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) is likely to win municipal elections on March 30, so the real question is what comes next? Turkey
Scandal destabilizes Turkey on eve of elections Turkey’s political crisis goes from bad to worse as the country prepares to vote in municipal elections on March 30. Turkey
When Fahrenheit 451 came to Turkey The efforts of the Turkish prime minister to shut down social media bears the markings of a Ray Bradbury nightmare. Turkey
Iraqi judiciary accused of bias, failure Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki is accused of using the judiciary to fight his political opponents. Iraq
Tehran police block protest in support of kidnapped guards A peaceful demonstration at the Pakistan Embassy in Tehran for the return of the four surviving border guards kidnapped by militants in Pakistan was dispersed by police, while a similar protest was permitted in Mashhad. Iran
Turkey bans YouTube after sensitive leak Hours after an audio surveillance of a high-level secret meeting leaked, Turkey blocked access to YouTube. Syria
Kerry shouldn’t take the blame if peace talks fail Both Israelis and Palestinians need to break the cycle of “blame America.” Palestine
Turkish tomb in Syria becomes flashpoint for conflict The Abu Basil family, deported from Turkey, became best of friends with Turkish soldiers guarding the Tomb of Suleiman Shah. Syria
Secrets of the Israeli treasury In an interview with Al-Monitor, Knesset member Stav Shaffir of the Labor Party reveals the treasury’s concealed budget transfers to the settlements, but her Google generation isn’t fooled by lack of government transparency. Palestine
Low turnout at Hamas rally sign of declining support? A lower-than-expected turnout at the anniversary of the assassination of Hamas founder Sheikh Ahmed Yassin has added to speculation about its declining popularity. Palestine
Al-Monitor expands focus on Russia and the Middle East The expansion of coverage to Russia and the Middle East marks Al-Monitor’s latest step in growing its coverage of the region. Russia
Russia not ready to 'retaliate' in Iran talks Moscow is unlikely to complicate the P5+1 negotiations with Iran, unless the crisis over Ukraine worsens. Syria
Seder can be inconvenient for gentile guests Jewish law does not prohibit hosting non-Jews for the traditional Passover dinner, but does render such invitations very inconvenient. Israel
Congress prepares second front on Iran sanctions Lawmakers are considering new terrorism-related Iran sanctions targeting Hezbollah after ceding to the Obama administration's request to back off on the nuclear issue. Congress
Hamas relies on support from large Gaza families Hamas continues to harness the support from Gaza's large families after curbing their influence following its takeover in 2007. Palestine
