Yabrud victory a setback for Lebanon’s security While Hezbollah was celebrating the victory in Yabrud, another stronghold of the Shiite resistance was targeted by a suicide attack, which raised questions about the repercussions of the victory on Lebanon. Lebanon
Iran chides criticism of Syria elections plan Iran has expressed concern over the UN election plan which would bar President Bashar Al-Assad from running, citing that the plan should be neutral and not be influenced by countries who want to keep Syria unstable. Originals
Israeli Labor MP slams Lapid as 'crony capitalist' In an interview with Al-Monitor, Labor Knesset member Merav Michaeli refreshes Israelis' minds about the Palestinian eagerness to reach an agreement and the European Union that offered Israel a relationship package which did not make it to the press, unlike the boycott talks. Palestine
US suspends Syria embassy operations The US has ordered that Assad's government immediately cease all diplomatic operations at its embassy in the US, a move that has drawn praise from congressional leaders. Originals
'American ideas' key to success in Palestinian negotiations with Israel Long-time Palestinian negotiator complains about Israeli settlement growth, but says Palestinians have the most to gain if current US-brokered negotiations with Israel yield a peace agreement. Palestine
Raise in minimum wage not enough for Iranian workers In violation of Iran's own laws, the minimum wage rise has not kept up with the inflation rate, and this may cause more problems and protests in the near future. Iran
Israel sets new red lines with Syria The Israeli government prefers that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's forces keep the Golan quiet, while making clear it will not tolerate any game-changing weapons transfers to Hezbollah. Israel
What does the fall of Yabrud mean for Lebanon? After the Syrian regime regained control of the rebel-held town of Yabrud this past weekend, some in Lebanon fear that the influx of extremist militants means more terrorist attacks inside the country. Lebanon
Turkey also a loser in Crimea No matter how hard Turkey tries to be the guardian of Crimean Tatars, there isn’t much it can do after the Crimean vote to join Russia. Turkey
Reading 'Frankenstein in Baghdad' While many Iraqis have grown accustomed to daily violence and attacks, some writers are trying to tackle these topics in literary works. Iraq
What is the US discussing with the Muslim Brotherhood? Egyptians are puzzled why the Obama administration and some in Congress are sending mixed signals on US aid to Egypt while appearing to maintain a quiet dialogue with the Muslim Brotherhood. Egypt
Al-Monitor launches Gulf Pulse With the launch of its Gulf Pulse, Al-Monitor is expanding its coverage of the region. Saudi Arabia
Women’s movement in Iraq faces setbacks Although Iraq was once a pioneer in women’s rights in the region, Iraqi women have suffered a number of setbacks in recent years. Iraq
AKP-Gulen strife worsens ahead of March 30 elections While the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) may fear losing votes in upcoming local elections, the government can retaliate with its own legal campaign against the Gulen movement. Turkey
Hamas seeks to retain Saudi ties despite Brotherhood ban Hamas is hoping to escape the anti-Brotherhood wave sweeping the Gulf and is trying to stay on good terms with Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia
Al Jazeera's split coverage on Saudi-Qatari feud Al Jazeera's English and Arabic channels differ in their coverage of the Saudi-Qatari feud. Saudi Arabia
