Obama ramps up on Syria The US president is giving new priority to the threat from terrorists in Syria, while calling for increased military support for opposition forces. Syria
Palestinian unity government to have strong mandate Despite US "disappointment" with the formation of a Palestinian unity government, the government is a legitimate step toward more equitable negotiations. Palestine
Rouhani mocks his critics, reactionary clerics Iranian President Hassan Rouhani mocked critics who have publicly reprimanded him for saying that “heaven cannot be forced” onto people, comparing other clerics to the reactionary clerics who were once opposed to private showers and daylight savings on the grounds that it would harm religion. Iran
Government losing control over veiling, says Khamenei adviser Gholam-Ali Haddad-Adel, also a member of the Iranian Parliament, believes that the government needs a united front to address the issue of veiling and recommended subsidies for factories that produce veils. Iran
Obama on slippery Syrian slope US President Barack Obama's ramping up of military support for the Syrian opposition is the exception to the foreign policy vision he described at West Point. Syria
Will Netanyahu recognize new Palestinian government? Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government will be challenged if the new Palestinian unity government accepts the Quartet’s conditions and receives international backing. Palestine
Israel launches all-out war against corruption This week, Israeli police finally raided the Ashdod Port, targeting the members of the trade union, perceived by many as a symbol of corruption and nepotism. Israel
Iraqi women make gains in parliamentary elections The strong showing of female candidates during the April 30 Iraqi elections reflect a change in this traditionally male-dominated society. Iraq
Hamas warns West Bank arrests could derail reconciliation The West Bank has seen a spike in arrests of Hamas members, despite the reconciliation deal. Palestine
Lapid housing plan targets Israel's 'next generation' The plan to reduce housing prices for young couples should earn back Finance Minister Yair Lapid's reputation as an ardent social activist, defending the rights of those who served in the army. Israel
KRG risks isolation in Iraq by exporting oil through Turkey Erbil’s decision to export oil without consulting the Baghdad government could also increase Turkish leverage on the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. Iraq
Turkey’s opposition no match for Erdogan, AKP Despite Turkish Prime Minster Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s missteps, the lead opposition parties are in disarray, and there is no challenger to his bid for president, if he decides to run. Turkey
Syrian voters shake up Lebanese politics The throngs of Syrian voters in Beirut shocked the Lebanese political establishment. Lebanon
Saudi king’s sons well-placed for transition King Abdullah’s sons hold key positions of influence in the government as the kingdom transitions to the next generation of Saudi royals. Saudi Arabia
Syrian government focuses on high election turnout As the presidential elections approach, the Syrian regime is seeking validation in a high voter turnout. Syria
Egypt rural tribes expect payback for backing Sisi Egyptian President-elect Abdel Fattah al-Sisi wove ties with Egypt’s leading tribes to win support from the countryside, but the tribes want benefits in return. Egypt
