Egypt bets on controversial Hamas leader The return of Hamas leader Mousa Abu Marzouk to the Gaza Strip signals the return of Egypt as a broker in Palestinian politics. Palestine
Israel threatens NGO's tax status for political stand In an interview with Al-Monitor, the chairman of Physicians for Human Rights-Israel, Raphael Walden, says that his NGO, which cares for Palestinians and African refugees, might lose its tax benefit status over its criticism against government policy. Palestine
Attack on Israeli journalists might indicate shift to violence The attack of two Israeli journalists in the West Bank town of Beitunia might indicate that despite the apparent lack of Palestinian interest in a surge of violence, a third intifada could erupt. Palestine
Are Greeks returning to Turkey? Ankara’s softening minority policies have encouraged several Greek families to return to their native lands in Turkey, but a genuine reconciliation requires farther-reaching steps. Turkey
Not all PA civil servants in Gaza want jobs back Around 3,000 public servants in Gaza are scheduled to return to their government posts as part of the April reconciliation deal between Fatah and Hamas, providing more opportunities for the unemployed — but some of them prefer their second jobs. Palestine
Iranian analyst: 'Who entrusted Iran with destroying Israel?' For the second time on national media, outspoken analyst Sadegh Zibakalam has publicly criticized Iran’s rhetoric on Israel. Iran
Sabahi offers alternative for Egypt While Hamdeen Sabahi is unlikely to win Egypt’s presidential election against Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, Sabahi could still surprise, and his postelection decisions will influence the direction of Egyptian politics. Egypt
Divide grows between Israeli, Palestinian journalists Journalism is one of the few remaining links where Israelis and Palestinians can engage and build better understanding of each other. Palestine
Former UN Syria envoy says Iran plan on Syria 'worth discussing' In his first interview since resigning as the UN-Arab League special envoy for Syria, Lakhdar Brahimi reflects on the reasons for the failure of the Geneva process and the prospects for a political solution in Syria. Syria
AKP advice to Soma: Don’t protest, just pray The AKP mobilized 500 imams along with strict security measures to deal with the disaster-stricken mining town of Soma. Turkey
Turkey’s Erdogan problem Events in Turkey since the March 30 elections have seen problems mostly of Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s making. Turkey
US should test Iran on Syria The United States and Iran can build on shared interests in combating al-Qaeda and terrorist groups, disarmament of Syria’s chemical weapons and opening humanitarian aid corridors. Syria
In mining tragedy, Erdogan doesn't learn from past mistakes Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s disastrous response to the Soma mining tragedy reflects a narrow and defensive approach to politics. Turkey
'Sticker shock' meeting: Wide gaps as negotiators start drafting Iran accord The P5+1 and Iran concluded the first round of talks geared toward drafting a final deal on Iran's nuclear program without making headway. Originals
Week ahead: Boxer yields on Israel visa waiver A look at the Middle East issues Congress will be addressing the week of May 19. Israel
Erdogan, entourage lose control in Soma The angry rhetoric of Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Justice and Development Party (AKP) elites has devolved into violence against ordinary citizens. Turkey
