In Turkey, how Germany’s president became ‘Germany's imam’ The rampant political paranoia in Turkey is even capable of demonizing German President Joachim Gauck as the “imam” of a treacherous “parallel state.” Turkey
Former US officials detect shift in Israel on Iran nuclear deal Former US officials have told Al-Monitor that the Israelis have shifted their tone (in private) from opposing any deal allowing the Iranians to keep elements of their nuclear program to voicing concerns over specific aspects of a final accord. Originals
Protests in Istanbul send 'mayday' for Turkish democracy Demonstrators defied the security clampdown on Istanbul, leading to waves of arrests and another challenge to the government of Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Turkey
Congress seeks more control over government news agency A key panel has voted to reform a US news agency whose Middle East coverage has long frustrated lawmakers. Congress
Russia-Iran ties getting better, but not at expense of nuclear talks Russian officials see an advantage in expanding economic relations with Iran, but are still committed to concluding a nuclear agreement. Russia
Qatar reforms wage payment plan for expat workers Qatar, building for the 2022 World Cup, moves toward labor reform with lessons to learn from Bahrain. Gulf
Russian policy in Ukraine, Mideast not just about Putin The sources of Russian foreign policy are primarily found in geopolitics and longstanding interests, not just Russian's current president. Russia
Saudi Royal Court focus of twitter crossfire The appointment of Prince Muqrin to deputy crown prince has reportedly angered some of the grandchildren of the kingdom’s founder. Saudi Arabia
Israeli sanctions on Palestinians could backfire The Israeli assumption that economic pressure will return the Palestinians to "the straight and narrow path," has already proven to be ineffective and might endanger the motivation for successful security cooperation. Palestine
AIDS patients in Gaza face isolation, humiliation Several treatment programs are available to AIDS patients in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, where they are treated as outcasts by society. Palestine
Gazans mock Australia for cattle ban Palestinians are expressing their exasperation with Australia’s decision to ban cattle exports to Gaza because of ill-treatment, while seeming to ignore the treatment of Palestinians under occupation. Palestine
