US says still waiting for Israeli minister's apology Israeli Defense Minister Moshe Ya'aloon called US Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel to clarify his statement where he described the US as weak, but the US is 'disappointed with the lack of an apology'. Originals
In Iran new year's address, Khamenei questions Holocaust During his Nowruz adress, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei accused Western countries of hypocrisy in criticizing Iran of restricting free expression citing that in certain European countries denying the holocaust is illegal. Originals
Congress to focus on Ukraine, Syria, Libya, Saudi Arabia A look at the Middle East issues Congress will be addressing next week. Saudi Arabia
Syria back on Turkey's agenda The Syria issue is suddenly back on Turkey’s agenda after attacks by armed individuals coming from Syria. Syria
Iranians ignore government limits on holiday celebration Iranians celebrate the ancient Iranian holiday Chaharshanbeh-Souri on the last Tuesday of the year, despite the official discouragement of celebrating a pre-Islamic holiday. Iran
The war on Twitter, the blowback from Ukraine Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan follows through on his threat to shut down Twitter, as Saudi Arabia and Qatar also crack down on social media; US-Russia collaboration on Syria and Iran is so far holding on, despite tensions over Ukraine. Gulf
Erdogan fights 'mission impossible' against Twitter The Turkish prime minister cannot win against social media. Turkey
Turkey grapples with legality, implications of Internet ban The Turkish government blocked access to Twitter as of midnight March 20. Turkey
Turkey faces 'geography’s revenge' in Crimea Turkey’s strategic environment has become even more complicated following the Russian annexation of Crimea. Turkey
Israelis indifferent to latest Netanyahu scandal The latest scandal concerning the behavior of Sara Netanyahu toward the premier's residence manager has not turned into a significant public debate, but generated caricatures and satirical comments on social networks. Israel
Will Lebanon be on Obama's agenda in Saudi Arabia? Given the long history of external influence in Lebanon, some in Lebanon are speculating that US President Barack Obama’s upcoming talks in Riyadh could include a discussion on the next Lebanese president. Saudi Arabia
Lebanon needs drastic steps to avoid bankruptcy After the growth rate of the public debt and the slow economic growth have reached alarming levels, the new Lebanese government must restore economic confidence in the country. Lebanon
Media crackdown more severe for Egyptian journalists President Adly Mansour pledged to help secure the release of Australian journalist Peter Greste, arousing speculation that foreign journalists are receiving preferential treatment over local journalists. Egypt
Khamenei: Culture is even more important than the economy In his Nowruz speeches, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei announces that in the coming year focus will be placed on culture and the economy, to reduce the country's vulnerability to sanctions and other external factors. Iran
Is Turkey ready for the post-Erdogan era? Even if the Justice and Development Party (AKP) loses significant votes in the municipal elections, Erdogan will remain prime minister. Turkey
One democratic secular state Many among the younger generation of Palestinians have come to the conclusion that the time has passed for a two-state solution to the conflict with Israel and believe one democratic state is the only solution. Palestine
