Houthi armed groups challenge Yemen power structure The once invincible Ahmar family is on the verge of losing its status and power in Yemen after decisive blows inflicted by the Shiite Houthis. Saudi Arabia
Clerics, scholars debate action on Jerusalem Senior clerics and scholars debated at a Jordanian conference whether to lift the ban on Arabs and Muslims visiting Jerusalem. Israel
Sinai ignored in Egypt development plans Egypt celebrated the liberation of Sinai from Israeli occupation on April 25, but Sinai locals, who feel neglected by the central government, have little to cheer about. Egypt
Obama should see Palestinian deal as next step in peace talks Israel is not averse to dealing with Hamas on security issues, so why quit now? Palestine
Women realtors may lose jobs in Iran The announcement by an Iranian realtor syndicate that women should not work in real estate is worrying female realtors. Iran
Al-Monitor mourns Bassem Sabry The Al-Monitor family is deeply saddened to learn of the untimely passing of our friend and colleague Bassem Sabry. Egypt
Key Democratic senator considers blocking aid to Egypt Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., chairman of the Senate Appropriations subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs, refers to Egypt's "appalling abuse of the justice system" on the same day US Secretary of State John Kerry meets with Egypt's Foreign Minister Nabil Fahmy. Egypt
Allawi battles for his share of Iraqi votes Ayad Allawi expressed pessimism toward the upcoming Iraqi elections and called on Iran to contribute to ensuring security in Iraq. Iraq
Iran official raises alarm over drug abuse in government The deputy at Iran's drug prevention agency recently estimated that half of government employees may be using drugs. Iran
Will Turkey’s Central Bank governor survive purge? Fears grow over a looming purge at Turkey’s Central Bank, but the bank’s governor is expected to retain his post. Turkey
Alternative Holocaust ceremonies draw young Israelis Young Israelis prefer the alternative Holocaust ceremony over the state one, where suffering is not reclaimed by Jews only and the trauma is a basis on which to rebuild the society. Israel
Erdogan, German president exchange barbs The exchange of words between Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and German President Joachim Gauck is symptomatic of deeper problems in Turkey and its ties to Europe. Turkey
On eve of elections, Iraq's waters become weapons of war While confrontations continued in various regions of Iraq between armed militants and the government, both sides have tried to take control of water resources to achieve their interests. Iraq
Long-awaited unity should embolden Palestinians The reconciliation between the Gaza and West Bank leaderships should embolden Palestinians to assert their legitimate rights and demand negotiations as a state under occupation. Palestine
Israel worried Indyk will walk US Secretary of State John Kerry should table an American peace proposal and step away. Palestine
Are preschoolers ready to learn about the Holocaust? The new initiative by the Education Ministry to introduce the Holocaust into the preschool curriculum has provoked a heated debate as to whether its motives are educational or nationalist. Israel
