Honor killings haunt Turkey's gay community Two court cases of "gay honor killings" in Turkey reveal a similar pattern of deep-rooted prejudice and social codes that override even the closest family bonds. Turkey
Saudis fear Syria blowback after discovering ISIS cell Fears of jihadist blowback from the Syrian war are starting to be realized after Saudi's discovery of a terrorist cell planning attacks on its soil. Saudi Arabia
Egyptian satellite will monitor water security, Renaissance Dam Egypt launched the EgyptSat 2 satellite on April 14 to help with borders, resources and the Renaissance Dam. Egypt
Iraqi voters shift from religious to 'political sectarianism' Iraqi voters appear to be gradually changing their loyalties from religious authorities to political groups. Iraq
PKK won't support Erdogan's presidential bid The Kurdistan Workers Party says the Erdogan government has done little to advance peace talks and thus won’t be receiving PKK support in the presidential elections. Turkey
Netanyahu stalls on reconciliation with Turkey Israel's premier still does not trust Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Israel
Iran news publications suspended over bail reports The Reformist newspaper Ghanoon and conservative news site Dana have both been suspended by the Tehran judiciary, likely for reporting on the enormous bail set for a government official. Iran
Israel underestimates Palestinian leadership Israel is shocked by the Palestinian Authority's decision to work toward national reconciliation only because it hasn't been paying attention. Palestine
McCain calls Homs a ‘huge victory’ for Assad Senator’s comment comes as Syrian opposition leaders seek congressional allies in their bid for more weapons. Syria
Syria opposition leader seeks anti-aircraft weapons to counter Assad's forces Ahmad Jarba, president of the Syrian Opposition Coalition, tells a Washington audience that his group wants to set up an interim government in "liberated" areas but is being hampered by the Syrian regime’s use of barrel bombs and rockets. Syria
Share your thoughts with Al-Monitor What do you want to see more of as an Al-Monitor reader and what can we do to improve? Let us know here. Originals
Freedom House right about Turkey Turkish journalists should not follow Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu's suggestion to reject the press freedom report. Turkey
Sunnis, Kurds vie for Iraqi presidency Although the post of president in Iraq has been held by a Kurdish politician, Jalal Talabani, since 2005, there are reports that some Sunni politicians may be looking to assume the post. Iraq
Turkey’s currency prepares for a fall After years of efforts to keep its currency valuable, Turkey’s government seems to be shifting to a cheaper lira policy in an attempt to boost exports and reduce the country’s gaping current account deficit. Turkey
State Dept. rejects Davutoglu’s denial of media watchdog report While the Freedom House report was expected to cause a stir, the statements by Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu stand out, eliciting a rebuke from the State Department. Turkey
