Knesset member withdraws Temple Mount bill amid warnings Labor Party Knesset member Hilik Bar, champion of the two-state solution, retracted his bill designed to organize prayer time slots for both Jews and Muslims on Temple Mount, after harsh reactions from both the Jordanian monarchy and the Shin Bet. Israel
Egypt threatened by 'ungoverned space' on Libyan border The breakdown of order in Libya and the rise of militancy in the Sinai Peninsula have led to new terror threats and a new normal for Egyptians concerned about security. Egypt
Will Sisi consider military rule over Egypt's bureaucracy? Egypt’s bloated and inefficient government agencies would clash with military oversight should Abdel Fattah al-Sisi be elected president. Egypt
Israel's defense budget means costs elsewhere Unlike late Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will likely once again give in to the terrifying annual intimidation campaign of the defense establishment eager to secure its budget. Israel
Lebanon: private education soars, public education sinks Despite a student-teacher ratio of 7-1, public education in Lebanon ranks poorly worldwide and reform is urgently needed. Lebanon
Iran, EU negotiators meet in Istanbul Iran Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif and European Union foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton have met extensively in Istanbul. Originals
Turkey's Circassians jangle Russian nerves Circassians in Turkey have grown bolder in speaking out about their 19th-century suffering and exile, irritating Russia and straining diaspora organizations. Turkey
Prospects of Shiite 'National Alliance' hinge on Maliki Most Shiite forces, for now, think they have an interest in rebuilding the alliance, but the final call will depend on the decision of Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki and the State of Law Coalition, which won the most votes in the parliamentary elections last month. Iraq
Khamenei outlines 14-point plan to increase population Iran's supreme leader has published his plan to speed the country's population growth. Iran
Iraqi Yazidis push to end 'devil worship' stereotype The Yazidis in Iraq are seeking not only to preserve their traditions but also to combat misinformation and stereotypes about their faith. Iraq
Most Palestinian Christians back Maronite patriarch's visit Many Palestinian Christians support the visit to the Holy Land by Maronite Patriarch Bechara Boutros al-Rai, although the PFLP, the Boycott movement and others have criticized it Palestine
Pope visit to boost Palestinian calls for statehood Palestinians are eagerly preparing for the visit of Pope Francis to the Holy Land, where he is expected to express his support for Palestinian rights and statehood. Palestine
Iran debate shifts to the House Rep. Franks plans to introduce legislation allowing Congress to offer a resolution of disapproval on a possible nuclear deal with Iran. Congress
Rouhani official visits synagogue, endorses pre-revolutionary flag President Hassan Rouhani's minority affairs adviser has caused a stir by visiting a synagogue and suggesting reverting to Iran's flag from before the revolution, raising the ire of conservatives. Iran
Enrichment capacity seen as key hurdle to Iran deal Despite an upbeat tone from Iran's President Hassan Rouhani, gaps remain between Iran and the P5+1 in the expectations for Iran's enrichment capacity. Originals
US ambassador says Libyan general is going after 'terrorists' The US ambassador to Libya, Deborah Jones, said she would not “condemn blanketly” the actions of Gen. Khalifa Hifter, whose forces have battled Islamist militias in eastern Libya and stormed the parliament in Tripoli on May 18. United Arab Emirates
