Liberman outlines vision for 'regional arrangement' with Arab states Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Liberman offers a plan for open contacts with "moderate" Arab states to deal with the threat from Iran and in pursuit of an agreement with the Palestinians. Saudi Arabia
Rebels shell Aleppo as Syria votes Syrian rebels have responded to the presidential elections with a ferocious campaign on regime-held areas in Aleppo. Syria
'Bad veiling' a protest against government, says Iran cleric Traditional conservative politician Ali Akbar Nategh Nouri has called "poor veiling" a form of protest against the government and said that the causes of the issue should be studied rather than confronted by police. Iran
Palestinians find respite from siege at Gaza’s ancient port Once an ancient trading hub, Gaza’s port now serves as a popular recreational location for local Palestinians wishing to forget the woes of living under siege. Palestine
Gul’s next move depends on Erdogan With Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan likely to run for president, current President Abdullah Gul is weighing his options. Turkey
Turkey warned on credit ratings Lowering of interest rates by the Turkish Central Bank despite high inflation prompts “lowering” warnings from ratings agencies. Turkey
Temple Mount faithful lay claim to lost ark Shavuot is an occasion to consider the many theories regarding the lost Ark of the Covenant that have inspired believers, politicians and Hollywood, and fed the hopes of those yearning for the Third Temple. Israel
Egypt’s poor expect Sisi to deliver on election promises Egyptian President-elect Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has repeatedly addressed the need to raise living conditions for Egypt’s poor, and they expect him to live up to his words. Egypt
Egypt's uncertain opposition after Sisi landslide While much publicity has been on Abdel Fattah al-Sisi's failure to gain a high voter turnout, Egypt's opposition finds itself in a precarious state. Egypt
Egypt-Palestine ties set to improve after unity government The election of Abdel Fattah al-Sisi as Egyptian president has coincided with the announcement of a unity government in Palestine, paving the way for improved relations, starting with the opening of the Rafah border crossing. Palestine
Ashton, Burns retirements, changes in Congress worry Iran in push for deal The upcoming retirements of two key Western officials and the possibility that Republicans may take over the US Senate might contribute to a sense of urgency to reach a nuclear deal between the P5+1 and Iran. Iran
Congress to Obama: Cut aid to Palestinians The State Department announced it will not cut assistance to the Palestinian Authority despite the unity government with Hamas. Palestine
Displaced young Syrians find home in Gaziantep cafe A hip cafe in Gaziantep, near the Syrian border, has become a refuge for young, educated Syrian refugees. Syria
Saudi Arabia shifts to more assertive defense doctrine The kingdom is considering how to more effectively project its role and power in the region to compensate for the decline of Western influence. Saudi Arabia
Israel surrogate law a victory for gay rights Orthodox politicians try to sabotage a bill ensuring surrogacy rights to single parents and same-sex couples behind the scenes, but to no avail. Israel
Syria's Kurdish region to boycott presidential elections The Democratic Union Party, the leading Kurdish party in northern Syria, says the region will not actively take part in the Syrian presidential elections. Syria
![Iranian parliamentary speaker Ali Akbar Nateq Nouri (C) and his Lebanese counterpart Nbih Berri (L) review the presidential guard at Beirut's international airport February 5. Nouri is visiting Lebanon to discuss bilateral relations. [Tehran supports the Islamic Hizbollah (party of God) and its militias in their bid to oust Israel from the occupation zone in south Lebanon]. - RTXIKOL](/sites/default/files/styles/article_header/public/almpics/2014/06/RTXIKOL.jpg/RTXIKOL.jpg?h=f7822858&itok=c1S1f5W_)
