ISIS' blitzkrieg across Iraq Russia would like to see the government of Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki eradicate Islamist groups such as the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS) to minimize terror threats on its own territory. Iraq
Egypt's kangaroo courts The Egyptian legal system is characterized, increasingly since Abdel Fattah al-Sisi's election victory, by unfair sentencing whereby judges prevent defendants to attend their court hearings and sentence "in absentia." Egypt
In Baghdad, residents despair of endless violence One resident described Baghdad as a "sad city," where checkpoints are manned by Shiite militias and no one expects a bright future. Iraq
Saudi king's short victory lap in Egypt Saudi King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz makes a rare visit to Egypt for Abdel Fattah al-Sisi's inauguration, as the threat from the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS) complicates its regional policies. Saudi Arabia
Zarif calls on US to make 'difficult decisions' to advance nuclear talks US, Iran negotiators say it is unclear if the other is ready to make the tough choices needed to reach an acceptable final nuclear agreement. Iran
Iraq consumes Congress; Hezbollah sanctions get a vote A look at the Middle East issues Congress will be addressing the week of June 23. Originals
ISIS advance should mean more arms for Syrian opposition The advance of the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS) into Iraq should spur action to bolster moderate Syrian opposition groups against both ISIS and the Assad government. Iraq
Mosul's rude awakening on ISIS Edward Dark writes that Iraqis who may have welcomed the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS) as liberators will soon have a rude awakening; a first-hand report of Syria’s barrel bombs; the ISIS threat to Lebanon; video of the IPI Free Media Pioneer Awards. Iraq
Knesset takes action on kidnappings Legislation introduced in the Knesset to prevent future kidnappings may just be to please constituencies on Israel's right. Palestine
Levin: No military action without unified Iraqi request The Democratic chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee said Iraqis must come together to fight the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS) or risk seeing their country splinter. Iraq
Erdogan riles Austrian hosts in visit to Vienna In his visit to rally expatriate Turks in Austria for his likely presidential campaign, Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s comments annoyed Austrian leaders, a replay of the prime minister’s visit to Germany last month. Turkey
Radical clerics add fuel to fire in Iraq crisis Amid the advancement of militants from the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS) and other armed groups in Iraq, radical Sunni and Shiite clerics are issuing statements that flare up the sectarian tension in the country. Iraq
Iraqi Turkmen feel abandoned by Turkey Many Iraqi Turkmen claim Turkey has given priority to its relations with the Kurdistan Regional Government at their expense. Iraq
Landmark ruling frees Turkish officers in Sledgehammer case Turkey’s Constitutional Court has decided the country’s military men did not receive a fair trial. Turkey
Hamas fears Israel will deport its leaders Hamas leaders are also concerned that Israel will launch a military campaign if the kidnapped boys are not found. Palestine
Kidnappings force rethink of Israel’s Hamas strategy As it searches for the kidnapped teenagers, Israeli decision-makers are considering how their actions will affect Hamas’ influence in the long run. Palestine
