Lebanon approaches presidential deadline If Lebanon’s parliament fails to elect a president by the constitutionally stipulated deadline of midnight on May 24, the ensuing vacuum could further exacerbate the already tense situation in the country. Lebanon
Would PUK cut separate deal with Maliki? The Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) did well in the Iraqi national elections, and may be flirting with Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki to strengthen its hand in Iraqi Kurdish politics. Iraq
Hamas, Fatah near deadline on new government Negotiations to form a Palestinian unity government are continuing, but hurdles remain as the deadline approaches fast. Palestine
Technology a Middle East bright spot Countries across the region are embracing technology as a solution to their economic — and political — woes. Pan Arab
Turkey locked in regional rivalry with Iran, Saudi Arabia Differences over Egypt and Syria are far from resolved, despite some feints at strengthening regional cooperation. Saudi Arabia
Sistani keeps distance from Iraqi election politics Although there have been attempts to embroil Iraqi cleric Ali al-Sistani in the country’s ongoing political disputes, he has continued to stress his non-involvement in these issues. Iraq
Iran military warns against 'baseless' criticism of Rouhani The Iranian armed forces’ chief of staff, who reports directly to the supreme leader, has threatened to “confront” conservative Iranian media outlets that target the administration. Iran
Likud leaders claim Netanyahu blocks settlements Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu freezes construction in settlement blocs, hoping to keep the diplomatic process underway — not for the sake of reaching an agreement — and reduce international pressure. Palestine
Israel adjusts to Syrian insurgents on Golan border Israel is assessing the consequences and contingencies for dealing with Syrian insurgents on its northern border and Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's holding on to power. Israel
Big changes planned for Iraqi stock markets While Iraq's elections have been the focus of international news, the country's considerable progress in developing its stock markets has gone largely unnoticed. Iraq
Egyptian graffiti artists protest Sisi Renowned Egyptian graffiti artist Ganzeer has protested military rule on the walls of the streets of Cairo, drawing attacks from media supporting military leader and presidential candidate Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. Egypt
Maliki got election assist from Anbar crisis Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki skillfully used the Anbar crisis to deepen the sense of collective danger among Shiite voters. Iraq
Rebels fight to prevent regime siege in Aleppo After successful sieges and truces in Damascus and Homs, all eyes turn to Aleppo, where rebels are trying to prevent the Syrian regime from imposing a similar siege. Syria
Turkey pivots to Baghdad to close deal on Kurdish oil Turkey has realized it can’t sell Kurdish oil without Baghdad’s blessing. Iraq
Gazprom deal boosts Russia-Egypt ties The Obama administration should take note of the warming trend in Russia-Egypt relations. Egypt
How will Lebanon’s Christians deal with presidential vacancy? If a new Lebanese president is not elected by the constitutionally stipulated deadline of May 25, the Christians’ options are limited. Lebanon
