Lebanon’s Sufi orders threatened by rise in Salafism While Lebanon has been home to Sufi orders for centuries, a recent rise in extremist Salafism on the Sunni scene threatens their existence. Lebanon
Aleppo's children struggle to stay in school A first-hand report from Aleppo on local initiatives in rebel-held east Aleppo trying to keep children in school. Syria
Gaza IT industry bypasses economic crisis Despite the high unemployment rate in the Gaza Strip, IT freelancing and outsourcing to foreign companies is insulating the industry from the siege and economic crisis. Palestine
Reporters accuse Egypt police of using live ammunition in protests Despite government denials, journalists reporting from the Cairo University clashes say riot police targeted them specifically with deadly fire. Egypt
Khamenei, Rouhani clash on women’s role in society Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and President Hassan Rouhani have presented contrasting roles for women in society. Iran
The Saudi-Brotherhood divide Saudi Arabia’s designation of the Muslim Brotherhood as a terrorist organization has mystified many Saudis and complicated the kingdom’s regional policies. Saudi Arabia
Hard choices for Erdogan as he mulls candidacy for president Turkey is heading to uncharted territory of first direct presidential elections. Turkey
Israel takes strategic alliance with US for granted Israel’s neutrality toward the crisis in Ukraine is a dangerous precedent in Israel's relations with the US, when taking into account that it can exist without Russia’s help, but not without American support. Palestine
Meretz leader justifies Abbas applications to UN treaties In an interview with Al-Monitor, Meretz Party leader Zehava Gal-On defends the application of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to 15 international treaties, claiming that this move could constitute a framework for continuing negotiations. Palestine
Abbas proposes discussing borders of future state The Palestinian formula for the resumption of talks with Israel includes discussion of borders issue, which is not only the aim of negotiations but also the only way to sell renewed talks to the Palestinian public. Palestine
Four hospitalized after security guards attack political prisoners in Evin Dozens were injured and many were sent to solitary confinement after political prisoners in Evin's Ward 350 clashed with security guards. Iran
Lebanon needs a model president Lebanon currently faces crises that only a unifying president can address. Lebanon
Ahmadinejad’s return may be boost for Rouhani The former Iranian president seeks to capitalize on the frustration of conservatives with Rouhani’s economic and foreign policies. Iran
Mystery solved? US-registered plane in Iran owned by Ghana firm The US-registered plane seen at an Iranian airport this week is owned and operated by a Ghana-based engineering firm and carried no Americans. Originals
Egyptian Copts test pilgrim ban to Jerusalem Egypt's Coptic Orthodox Church has maintained a ban on Copts visiting holy sites in Israel and Palestine since 1978, but some are debating its merit. Palestine
US-Iran relations should focus on faith-based diplomacy Interfaith diplomacy and cultural engagement could improve US relations with Iran. Iran