Turkish state turning on Gulenists Turkey’s National Security Council decides to purge Gulenists from state organs, making it no longer just a struggle between the Gulenists and the Justice and Development Party (AKP). Turkey
Tehran University chancellor dismissed, leaving dark legacy The removal of Tehran University Chancellor Farhad Rahbar was welcomed by students and activists who endured his six-year tenure during former President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's administration. Iran
The Qatar channel between Gaza and Israel Qatar, which has taken upon itself major construction projects in the Gaza Strip, has become an indirect communication channel between Israel and Hamas. Qatar
Netanyahu's world Jewry dilemma Statements by Israeli officials against the two-state solution confront members of world Jewry with their latest dilemma: supporting Israel even when it endangers their interests in their countries of residence. Palestine
Israeli raid fuels internal divisions in Lebanon The Israeli raid along the Lebanese-Syrian border generated reactions of embarrassment among the Syrian regime and the opposition, and from Bashar al-Assad's allies in Lebanon and their opponents, but each for different reasons. Israel
Palestinian government may soon pass transparency law The Palestinian government in Ramallah is signalling its intent to pass a transparency law, making it potentially the fourth Arab state to do so. Palestine
Iraqi justice minister presses Shiite personal status law Despite lack of support from Iraq’s Shiite religious establishment, the Jaafari personal status law has been endorsed by the cabinet and moved to parliament. Iraq
EU expresses support for Iraqi, Syrian civil society An Iraqi-Syrian civil society delegation has met with decision-making bodies in the European Union, with the latter promising assistance in efforts to confront sectarianism in these two countries. Iraq
Cement shortage in Gaza leaves thousands jobless Israel's restrictions on cement imports into the Gaza Strip are having a devastating effect on the local economy. Palestine
Syrian rebel force to receive Saudi arms has worked with al-Qaeda group The leader of the Saudi-backed rebel Southern Front, which Riyadh intends to arm with advanced weaponry, has openly collaborated with al-Qaeda during the course of the Syria war. Syria
Lebanese minibus hero helps thwart suicide bomber Hussein Msheik, a Lebanese minibus driver who survived a suicide attack on Feb. 3, speaks to Al-Monitor about the incident and his future plans. Lebanon
Gulf atheism in the age of social media The Arabian Peninsula is widely known for its strict observance of Islam, but a rising number of Gulf nationals are starting to distance themselves from religious practice. Saudi Arabia
Diplomacy, not sanctions, key to deal with Iran As the American Israel Public Affairs Committee holds its annual policy conference, it would do well to remember that the Obama administration's diplomacy, not sanctions, has yielded better results, according to a former senior Iranian diplomat. Israel
Moscow foresees breakdown in Israeli-Palestinian talks Russian experts cast doubt on Israeli-Palestinian peace negotiations, and express their concerns about Israel's possible Plan B. Palestine
Who still supports Turkey’s AKP? Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan retains his popular base, despite scandals, because most people believe they are still better off with the Justice and Development Party (AKP). Turkey