My perilous journey from Aleppo to Turkey The journey from Aleppo to the Turkish border once took 45 minutes but is now a 6.5-hour drive fraught with danger. Syria
The myth of Obama’s failure in the Middle East US diplomacy is actively engaged on all fronts in the region, while the president’s critics offer no feasible alternatives. Saudi Arabia
Iran’s parliament presents ‘Islamic wiretapping’ bill A new bill has been presented in parliament that would create more guidelines on wiretapping. Iran
Russia not pursuing Cold War in Mideast over Ukraine Moscow's interests in the region are unchanged, including collaboration with the United States on elimination of chemical weapons in Syria, despite the crisis over Ukraine. Saudi Arabia
Egypt’s presidential palace battleground for protests Demonstrators are calling for the repeal of a law requiring notification in advance for peaceful protests. Egypt
Abbas goes big with Hamas deal; the Temple Mount fault line PLO Chairman Mahmoud Abbas plays the Hamas card; watch out for the "Hebronization" of the Temple Mount; Al-Monitor launches Arabic, Hebrew, Turkish newsletters. Palestine
Three ways Egypt's elections could still surprise While Egypt's elections and trajectory might seem settled, there are still ways for something remarkable to happen. Egypt
Lawmakers tackle Syria, Near East aid A look at the Middle East issues Congress will be addressing next week. Egypt
US, EU reset Egypt policies The United States shipping Apache helicopters to Cairo, and the European Union decision to monitor coming presidential elections in Egypt, are signs that the US and EU are switching their Egypt policies. Egypt
Syrian opposition looks to Congress for military boost With Syrian Opposition Coalition leader Ahmad Jarba visiting Washington next month, rebels hope US lawmakers will back more arms assistance to moderate opposition forces. Syria
Erdogan silent on suspension of Israel-Palestine peace talks Suspending Mideast peace talks could slow normalization of ties between Israel and Turkey. Palestine
Turkish civil society paves way for Erdogan's Armenian opening Some say Erdogan is trying to restore his international credibility. Turkey
Can Erdogan overcome Azeri obstacle in ties with Armenia? Turkey’s support for Azerbaijan in the dispute over Nagorno-Karabakh is blocking improved ties between Turkey and Armenia. Turkey
Many looted Egyptian artifacts go first to Israel, Switzerland Egypt, which has lost more than $3 billion in stolen antiquities since 2011, hopes that the Obama administration will sign a memorandum of understanding in early June to make it easier for US Customs to confiscate smuggled treasures. Egypt
In Iran, former hostage taker criticized over apology Former hostage taker and current Reformist political figure Ebrahim Asgharzadeh has been criticized for offering an apology to the Americans held in the 1979 hostage crisis and their families. Iran
The Palestinian trend in Israeli cuisine Modern Palestinian restaurants are flourishing in Israel with dishes inspired by the medieval Muslim empire, reflecting a growing interest in Islamic and Arabic culture. Palestine