Freedom of religion in Egypt no better under military rule The military's conservatism and alliance with religious authorities, even if not the Muslim Brotherhood, is a constant in Egyptian politics. Egypt
Look for more assertive Russia in Middle East Unless there is a de-escalation of the crisis over Crimea, the Obama administration could expect to deal with a Russian president more willing to challenge US interests in the Middle East. Palestine
Israeli deputy FM: Palestinians haven't budged 'a millimeter' In an interview with Al-Monitor, Deputy Foreign Minister Zeev Elkin claims that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is willing to pay a political price for advancing negotiations, unlike the Palestinian partners. Palestine
Disqualified candidates spark controversy in Iraq Newly issued judicial decisions, which prevent certain persons from running in the upcoming elections due to outstanding lawsuits against them, have caused a heated debate in Iraq. Iraq
Maliki, parliament in legal battle over budget As the debate over the general budget continues in the Iraqi parliament, the government has gone to the judiciary for permission to disburse funds allocated to operating expenses. Iraq
Are reports of Turkey’s ‘authoritarianism’ overblown? Statistics from the European Court of Human Rights indicate Turkey’s current human rights record is better even than the early years of Justice and Development Party (AKP) rule. Turkey
Hamas, Fatah prepare for Gaza student elections Hamas and Fatah have agreed to hold student elections in Gaza as part of their reconciliation process, but no date has been set. Palestine
Lebanese factions seek unity against terrorism threat After the new Lebanese government secures parliament’s official blessing, it may have the political cover to act militarily to address troubling security problems. Lebanon
Saudi Dep. DM meets Burns, Hagel on US visit Saudi Deputy Defense Minister Prince Salman bin Sultan met with met with US deputy Secretary of State William Burns and discussed regional cooperation and ways to strengthen the two countries' security partnership. Originals
Peace talks could benefit from implementing previous agreements Advancing negotiations can be greatly assisted by trust-building measures, namely fulfilling older agreements signed between Israel and the Palestinians. Palestine
Turkey's limitations in the Black Sea and Crimea Will Turkey again become useful for European security? Turkey
Congress gives Obama administration window for Iran talks Two congressional letters on US nuclear diplomacy with Iran appear to signal that Congress will allow the P5+1 talks with Iran to continue without additional sanctions legislation, at least for the time being. Iran
Gul rebuts Erdogan’s international conspiracy claims Turkish President Abdullah Gul supports an open and transparent investigation into allegations of corruption, saying, “There must be no suspicions left with regard to corruption.” Turkey
US-Russia confrontation could drift to Mideast The question is whether Iran, Egypt, or Saudi Arabia, in particular, will change their policies in the context of the US-Russia standoff. Saudi Arabia
Parliament won’t allow an investigative commission Turkey’s parliament will meet in an extraordinary session on March 19 to discuss the indictments charging four former cabinet ministers. Turkey
Hakim warns about politicization of Iraqi army In an interview with Al-Monitor, the head of the Islamic Supreme Council Ammar al-Hakim speaks about his conceptions for the Iraqi state and says that the Anbar crisis cannot be solved via a military solution. Iraq
