Iran businessman hanged for embezzlement Iran has executed businessman Mehafarid Amri-Khosravi for crimes connected to a $2.7 billion embezzlement scheme, Iran's largest-ever embezzlement case. Iran
Turkey-Azerbaijan pipeline offers alternative for Russian gas Ankara hopes the new pipeline, which could also carry Iranian natural gas, will break Russia’s stranglehold on natural gas prices. Turkey
Mofaz: 'Strategic situation worse' on Iran In an interview with Al-Monitor, former Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz argues that US over-involvement in Israeli-Palestinian talks only alienated both sides, and the only feasible solution is a two-stage agreement with the Palestinians, even while talking with Hamas. Palestine
Tzipi Livni in Ehud Barak’s footsteps Five years ago, Tzipi Livni criticized Ehud Barak for being part of a diplomatically stagnating right-wing government but she, too, will soon have to choose: negotiations with a Palestinian unity government, or diplomatic stagnation that will lead to a binational state. Palestine
Saudi, UAE coordination signals differences with Qatar Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have formed a joint committee to coordinate their regional efforts, with Egypt and Libya topping the agenda. Saudi Arabia
Pope Francis exceeds expectations for Palestinians Pope Francis' visit to Palestine was full of pleasant surprises for the Palestinians. Palestine
Egypt tightens border security amid Libyan unrest Following former Gen. Khalifa Hifter’s campaign against armed Islamist groups in Libya, Egypt has partially closed its eastern border and is trying to avoid any negative repercussions of this unrest. Egypt
Erdogan’s dictator defense Turkey’s Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, responding to critics who label him a “dictator,” can improve his image by giving up practices that generate criticism. Turkey
Pope's Holy Land visit goes beyond the 'peace process' Pope Francis' visit to the Holy Land is intended to lift the spirits of the downtrodden. Palestine
Turkey's Erdogan obsession Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan's team should see that the hateful "Erdogano-centricity" of which they complain is mostly of Erdogan's making. Turkey
Iran nuclear talks hit snag over sanctions Lifting US sanctions, as called for in the Joint Plan of Action, would eventually require dealing with Hezbollah. Lebanon
Week ahead: Syrian opposition scores in Senate defense bill A look at the Middle East issues Congress will be addressing the week of May 26. Syria
Three candidates for Lebanon's presidency The current shameful parliamentary deadlock could also be an opportunity for new leadership. Lebanon
Israel's prime minister needs term limits With Benjamin Netanyahu entering his ninth year as prime minister, and the favorite to win again, it might be worth revisiting whether Israel could benefit from term limits to allow more opportunities for new leaders. Israel
The containment of Hassan Rouhani Conservative opponents of the Iranian president may be threatened by Hassan Rouhani’s agenda and will intensify efforts to contain his influence. Iran
