Double standard for press freedom in Turkey Neither local nor Western press groups condemned the heavy penalties on the pro-government aHaber TV station. Turkey
Terrorism expands from Sinai to Cairo Armed extremist groups in Egypt have spread their operations from the remote areas of the Sinai Peninsula to the densely populated metropolises of Cairo and the Delta. Egypt
'Idol'-type TV show stirs young Tunisian entrepreneurs A reality show competition is inspiring a new generation of entrepreneurs across the Middle East. Tunisia
American Christians join Israel's fight against poverty In an interview with Al-Monitor, Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein, head of Israel's largest philanthropic organization, explains how it donates millions of shekels to welfare projects, effectively making up for the government’s failure in dealing with poverty. Israel
Planned construction encroaches on Temple Mount, Western Wall Palestinians have not reacted to the wave of plans approved lately by Jerusalem's planning committee to build rabbinical colleges and a Jewish visitor center at the heart of East Jerusalem. Palestine
Iraqi elections: all talk, no walk Many political blocs have dismissed the Iraqi voter as unable to analyze complex and detailed political programs. Iraq
Saudi spy chief Prince Bandar steps down The Saudi Chief of General Intelligence Prince Bandar bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz has unexpectedly stepped down from his post and will be replaced temporarily by the deputy intelligence chief General Staff Yousif bin Ali Al-Idreesi. Originals
Erdogan takes on Central Bank, judiciary Erdogan needs to subjugate the Central Bank and the judiciary if he wants to win the presidency. Turkey
Gaza’s population balloons With an average 5.7 births for each woman, Gaza’s government has no plans to curtail population growth. Palestine
West Aleppo faces unending assault West Aleppo is suffering intense, continuous bombardment as Islamist rebels sustain their largest offensive yet on regime-held areas. Syria
Lebanon banks affected by wage hike The proposed solutions to the wage hike debate in Lebanon included raising the interest rates on bank deposits, which will prevent the banking sector from playing its role as a catalyst for economic growth. Lebanon
Turkey, Russia tread cautious line over Ukraine As the conflict between Russia and the West heats up, Ankara and Moscow are finding their neighborly relationship ever more challenging to maintain. Turkey
Egyptians divided over police presence on university campuses Several Egyptian universities approved the entry and stationing of police forces on their campuses, in a bid to disperse student protests. Egypt
Hamas in overdrive to restore regional ties Hamas is pursuing a policy of neutrality while it reaches out to regional capitals to end its crippling isolation. Palestine
From child bride to mayor, Berivan Kilic tells her story After an abusive marriage and a divorce, Berivan Kilic became the first woman elected co-mayor of Kocakoy, Diyarbakir, stepping forward as a role model for Kurdish women. Turkey
Al-Monitor wins Free Media Pioneer Award Al-Monitor received the award at the International Press Institute's 2014 World Congress in Cape Town. Pan Arab