Turkey losing propaganda war over Syrian Armenians Turkey’s alleged collusion in the rebel takeover of a Syrian Armenian village has revived the ghosts of a bloody past. Syria
Internal rivalries hinder Rouhani's reform efforts President Hassan Rouhani's administration has been touted as using moderate politicians from various political leanings in Iran; however, this make-up has led to major disagreements within the administration. Iran
Liberman keeps eye on bid for Israeli premiership By torpedoing negotiations on one hand, while setting conditions for their resumption on the other, Foreign Minister Avigdor Liberman's tactics enable him to gain points with the left and the right of the political spectrum, pursuing his route toward the premier's seat. Palestine
Iran goes on defense over human rights Iranian hard-liners have rejected the latest EU resolution over Iran's human rights situation and may use the resolution to force the administration to distance itself from the West in favor of Eastern countries. Iran
Divisive sectarian rhetoric dominates lead-up to Iraq vote As elections approach in Iraq, sectarian rhetoric has distracted voters from more serious issues. Iraq
Najaf's Shiite seminaries enter 21st century Throughout its history, the Shiite seminaries in Najaf, Iraq, have witnessed massive changes in curricula, with an expansion in the number and scope of subjects offered. Iraq
Will UK list Muslim Brotherhood as terror group? Britain’s announced inquiry into the Muslim Brotherhood’s activities might be an attempt to appease its Gulf allies without offering any tangible changes. Saudi Arabia
Former Tehran mayor reveals why Reformists decided to support Rouhani According to the former mayor of Tehran, Iran's Reformists took the advice of prominent Reformist theoretician Saeed Hajjarian in supporting moderate Hassan Rouhani in the 2013 presidential elections. Iran
Iran not getting sanctions relief it was promised Iran's problems getting temporary sanctions relief could increase foreign leverage to reach a longer-term nuclear deal, but decrease confidence in Iran that the present and future US administrations will be able to grant relief in exchange for nuclear concessions. Iran
Erdogan presidency no foregone conclusion Turkish President Abdullah Gul still holds the key to how Turkey will be governed, even if Recep Tayyip Erdogan runs and wins, which may not be a foregone conclusion. Turkey
More Israelis living in poverty on eve of Passover A special report by the state comptroller published the week before Passover reveals growing poverty, attributed to the new government’s public welfare cutbacks. Israel
Sisi’s candidacy appears to ease Egypt-Hamas tensions Field Marshal Abdel Fattah al-Sisi’s candidacy in Egypt’s upcoming presidential elections has eased tensions between Cairo and Hamas, but this might be a tactical move by Sisi. Palestine
Jihadist attack on Latakia raises fear of deeper sectarian warfare All-out sectarian warfare and ethnic cleansing are possibilities as Islamist militants attack Latakia. Syria
House bill demands tougher line against Hezbollah Bipartisan legislation introduced Monday in the House Foreign Affairs Committee pushes sanctions against financial institutions and satellite providers that aid Hezbollah. Lebanon
Israel-Russia ties strong despite Ukraine Both Israel and Russia value their growing strategic relationship. Israel
Erdogan, Gul to discuss presidential elections The March 30 local elections may have boosted Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s chances to become the first elected president of Turkey on Aug. 10, but his run for that office will likely first depend on a deal between the prime minister and President Abdullah Gul. Turkey