Lights out on Maliki's electricity promises Ali al-Fayyad, deputy head of the Iraqi parliament's Energy Committee, said he's hoping the private sector steps in to ease the electricity crisis that the people have suffered from for decades, especially in the scorching summer months. Iraq
Transitional justice fails in Iraq After the fall of Saddam Hussein's regime in 2003, measures to implement transitional justice have been largely unsuccessful. Iraq
Sinking ties with US linked to Netanyahu's political fortunes A drop in US-Israel ties has provoked a domestic political crisis for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who faces challenges from Avigdor Liberman and Naftali Bennett. Palestine
Saudi reform could include elected legislature The kingdom would benefit from initial reforms, including an elected national assembly rather than an appointed consultative council and the release of political prisoners. Saudi Arabia
How Turkey lost its influence in Iraq Ankara's tilt toward the Kurdistan Region of Iraq has undermined its once considerable influence in Iraq. Iraq
Will Sisi move beyond 'cold peace' with Israel? The pending gas deal between Israel and Egypt might be an economic necessity for President-elect Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. Egypt
Hamas seeks to reclaim political influence via PLO The inclusion of Hamas, as well as Islamic Jihad and the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), in the PLO could strengthen the influence of the "resistance" wing within the organization. Palestine
Displaced Syrians target of new Lebanon law A recent law to revoke the displaced status of Syrian refugees if they return to Syria was meant to prevent Syrians from voting in the June 3 elections. Lebanon
Turkish inflation at its 'worst' before expected slowdown Turkey’s inflation shot up to a two-year high in May, but a slowdown is expected to begin in June. Turkey
Poll suggests Israelis could be sold on Arab League Initiative A poll conducted ahead of a major Israeli political conference examined the extent of the Israeli public’s exposure to the Arab Peace Initiative, and findings indicate that most Israelis are ignorant of the details of the plan. Saudi Arabia
Defense bill sparks concerns about US counterterrorism strategy New Senate legislation, coupled with the Obama administration's push for more Middle East partnerships, have activists worried about US support to controversial allies. Pan Arab
Obama administration takes the heat for alleged Hamas channel The Obama administration is denying a BuzzFeed report of a back channel to Hamas while also resisting pressure from Congress to cut off aid to the Palestinian Authority after the unity agreement. Palestine
Settlement expansion threatens to distract from Palestinian unity Israel’s reaction to the Palestinian reconciliation, threatening to expand the settlements, is an attempt to disrupt the new unity government’s plan to establish itself as a unified state under occupation. Palestine
Exclusive: Abu Zaida talks on his removal from Fatah In an interview with Al-Monitor, Sufian Abu Zaida, expelled from Fatah, defines Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas as a "dictator," while criticizing Israel's objection to the unity government, saying it offers Israel both security cooperation and recognition. Palestine
Hamas sees Russia visit as means to end regional isolation Hamas political bureau leader Khaled Meshaal will visit Moscow in the coming weeks, where he is expected to ask Russia to help restore Hamas' ties with Iran and to pressure Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to soften his opposition to the Islamist movement. Palestine
Allegations of racism surface in Israel’s ultra-Orthodox schools Despite rulings by the Supreme Court and ministerial guidelines, the Ashkenazi ultra-Orthodox establishment keeps rejecting Sephardic female students, wishing to maintain their separate education system, neighborhoods and marriages. Israel
