Sunni radicals seize Turkey's Mosul consulate Turkey’s Mosul consulate has been seized by the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham and all its personnel have been kidnapped. Iraq
Livni-Herzog alliance a threat to Netanyahu The presidential elections exposed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's political vulnerabilities. Israel
Russia, Qatar compete in natural gas market Russia and Qatar differ on Syria but are considering means of mitigating their natural gas rivalry in the Gas Exporting Countries Forum. Qatar
Saudis debate Salafism and democracy The recent growth of the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS) has led to an extensive debate among Islamist groups in Saudi Arabia over the relationship between Salafism and governance. Saudi Arabia
ISIS weighs approach on Baghdad The fall of Mosul into the hands of the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS) is an indicator of the breakdown in the Iraqi army, and shows the necessity to unify the ranks in Iraq to fight terrorism. Iraq
How Gulf Initiative has worsened Yemen's crisis Yemen has been stuck in a "transitional phase" while the state is collapsing as a result of failing government performance and a decline in basic services for citizens. Yemen
Iraqi soldier describes army 'without leadership' in Mosul The governor of Ninevah province, Atheel al-Nujaifi, blames "Maliki and his policies" for the fall of Mosul. Iraq
Women shut out from Fatah-Hamas reconciliation deal Women were absent from the Palestinian reconciliation meetings, which shows the lack of female participation in the affairs of the Gaza Strip. Palestine
Iran officials call for international response to ISIS violence Iranian officials respond to the fall of Mosul to the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham extremists. Iraq
Removal of Turkish flag stokes anti-Kurdish sentiments Turkey is in an upheaval over the removal of its flag from a military base. Turkey
Sinai Peninsula remains security headache for Sisi Many Sinai residents blame coercive security practices by the Egyptian military as the cause of instability. Egypt
Lapid's strategy of empty threats benefits Netanyahu The declaration by Yesh Atid Chairman Yair Lapid that annexation of any area of the West Bank would result in the dismantling of the government raises the bar in a way that actually ensures the survival of the Netanyahu coalition. Israel
ISIS bids for global jihad leadership with Mosul attack Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, the leader of the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham, is seeking the mantle of founder Abu Musab al-Zarqawi with his bold attack on Iraq's second largest city. Saudi Arabia
US to Iran: No sanctions relief without nuclear transparency US lawmakers are beginning to lay out their demands for a tough inspection regime in exchange for any sanctions relief. Congress
US, Iran hold 'intensive, useful' talks as negotiations intensify U.S. and Iranian diplomats have had two days of productive talks in Geneva, but gaps remain. Originals
Why Rivlin's win is a defeat for Netanyahu The Israeli prime minister tried and failed to prevent his right-wing rival, Reuven Rivlin, from becoming president. Israel
