Israelis see Iran nuclear breakout possible in 2-3 months According to Israeli security officials, retired Gen. Uzi Eilam's contention that Iran is years away from becoming a nuclear state is inaccurate, an assessment shared by US and European intelligence agencies. Israel
Members of Mubarak's old party plot comeback Members of the disbanded National Democratic Party in Egypt are seeking to run in the upcoming parliamentary elections, despite a court ruling prohibiting their participation. Egypt
AKP government under fire over coal mine tragedy Was the mine disaster in Turkey, which has claimed at least 283 lives, the result of flawed policies and negligent acts, or an inevitable accident? Turkey
Hamas wary of improved Turkey-Israel ties Many within Hamas are quietly disappointed that Islamist ally Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan may be pursuing reconciliation with Israel. Palestine
Israeli Arabs, Jews rally to save organic olive grove Jews and Arabs together are battling Israeli authorities to save their fragile organic olive grove from electrical lines planned to pass over their lands to avoid military training zones. Israel
Netanyahu rides nationalist wave In an interview with Al-Monitor Vice President of the Israel Democracy Institute Mordechai Kremnitzer associates the anti-Arab feelings prevailing within the Israeli public and the recent flow of nationalistic bill. Israel
New administrative regions could boost Iran's economy Iran can move beyond its current half-hearted decentralization strategy by clustering its provinces, thus pooling the resources of diverse regions and rationalizing infrastructure investment. Iran
Egypt's blind women's orchestra struggles post-revolution Al Nour Wal Amal orchestra is feeling the pinch from Egypt's economic and political instability, as funds dry up and concerts dwindle. Egypt
Fahmy: Egypt seeks talks, not conflict, over Ethiopian dam In an exclusive interview with Al-Monitor, Egyptian Foreign Minister Nabil Fahmy rejects conditionality on US aid while stressing progress on the road map as key to US-Egypt ties. Egypt
Iraqi MP fined for offering land for votes A video of an Iraqi MP from the State of Law Coalition distributing deeds to plots of land in exchange for votes for the coalition has triggered controversy, and raises broader questions about a rise of political patronage in the country. Iraq
'Rogue' forces have started up again, says Khatami-era official Former Deputy Interior Minister Morteza Mobalegh has said that the activities of disruptive "rogue" forces have intensified once again after quieting throughout Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s presidency. Iran
Brahimi resignation chance to strengthen UN The resignation of Lakhdar Brahimi as UN special envoy to the Syria conflict should prompt re-examination of the UN system and the responsibility of government to protect. Lebanon
Freedom House report on Turkey misguided The recent Freedom House report ranking Turkey low in press freedom overlooks Turkey’s progress, including in how the press addresses Kurdistan, the Armenian genocide and criticism of the government. Turkey
Saudi activists 'hibernate' after series of arrests Saudi Arabia has cracked down on prominent rights activists in recent weeks, forcing many to go underground. Saudi Arabia
Iraqi political blocs mislead with leaks on election results A number of Iraqi politicians and political blocs have used social media for what they claim are leaked election results from last month’s parliamentary elections. Iraq
Consensus grows on Palestinian ICC membership There are growing calls domestically and internationally for the Palestinians to join the International Criminal Court. Palestine
