Uncertain prospects for Iraqi 'Sunni Alliance' It is unclear whether the three currents can unite on unified Sunni interests. Iraq
Another no-show for Arab films at Cannes The Arab cinema is suffering from mediocrity and creative ineptitude as it fails to break into the international spotlight. Egypt
Israeli film sows nostalgia among Iraqi Jews The Israeli film “Farewell Baghdad” explores the Jewish community in Iraq that was expelled from the country in the 1950s and 1960s, and has sparked feelings of nostalgia among Iraqi Jews. Iraq
Khamenei adviser backs Iranian negotiators The supreme leader's foreign policy adviser, Ali Akbar Velayati, has declared his support for the current Iranian negotiators while criticizing the methods of the previous teams. Iran
The false promise of Mideast elections The coming presidential elections in Egypt, Syria and Turkey offer little hope for a regional trend toward stability and democracy. Palestine
Blix: Listen to Iran on 'practical needs' for nuclear program In an exclusive interview, Hans Blix, the former director of the International Atomic Energy Agency, says that he understands Iran’s resistance to any restriction on research and development and that Iran should not be forced to use old centrifuge technology. Iran
Israeli election season starts early Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition is submerged in a general pre-election atmosphere, where each party tries to score points with its electorate and the media. Israel
The 'false empowerment' of female Knesset members? Young Israeli women do not consider female politicians as role models, since only few of them manage to break away from the men’s way of doing politics. Israel
What next for Turkey’s stock market? Having recovered in the wake of political turmoil, Turkey’s stock market appears on a downward trend in the short run. Turkey
Hezbollah evasive on presidential candidates Although Hezbollah has yet to name its preferred candidate for the Lebanese presidency, there are a number of requirements that a potential candidate must meet to gain the party’s endorsement. Lebanon
War-weary Syrians see hope in Homs deal Syrian civilians, routinely shelled by regime forces and rebels, hope the Homs cease-fire is an indication of better times to come. Syria
Don’t discount Sabahi in Egypt’s presidential race The prospect of a "civilian opposition" depends on Hamdeen Sabahi’s performance, win or lose, against Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. Egypt
Russia stakes out Iranian market Both Russia and Iran see a shared interest in deepening economic ties, parallel to the P5+1 talks. Russia
Saudi court sends message with sentence of ‘1,000 lashes’ The sentencing of a liberal blogger is a reminder of the kingdom’s strict application of Sharia. Saudi Arabia
Erdogan dismisses threat from opposition parties Prime Minister Erdogan says the opposition “fails to understand” that the people are behind the AKP. Turkey
Poverty in Gaza sustains used-clothing market Secondhand clothing sellers in Gaza see a steady increase in demand despite the social stigma. Palestine
