Iraqi crisis highlights need for dialogue In light of the escalating security situation in Iraq, political figures need to do more than broadcast their message through the media and official channels. Iraq
Egypt scrambles to stop missiles launched at Israel from Sinai Reports of rockets fired at Israel by militants in the Sinai Peninsula are an embarrassment for the Egyptian government as they struggle to contain insurgent groups in the region. Palestine
Iran boosts Hamas rocket capacity Congress is skeptical of extending of Iran talks; Iran has a hand in Gaza; acrimony between Egypt and Hamas is hindering a cease-fire agreement; and the Islamic State using the Turkish Consulate in Mosul as its headquarters. Palestine
Iran, P5+1 extend talks After all-day discussion, diplomats have agreed to extend nuclear talks until Nov. 24, 2014. Iran
Congress may take up bill to withdraw US advisers from Iraq A look at the Middle East issues Congress will be addressing the week of July 21. Palestine
Liberal Democrats push Gaza cease-fire, new peace talks A handful of Democrats are calling on President Barack Obama to “redouble” US engagement in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Palestine
Turkey reacts to Israel ground operation in Gaza Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan hardened his narrative against Israel after the start of the ground operation in the Gaza Strip. Palestine
Knesset debates whether Gaza disengagement helped Hamas During the Knesset debate marking the ninth anniversary of Israel's disengagement from Gaza, conservative politicians claimed that the current Hamas attacks would not have taken place had Ariel Sharon not pulled out of the Gaza Strip. Palestine
Turkey’s Syrian refugee problem spirals out of control Syrian refugees in Turkey are regularly subject to hostilities by locals, a trend Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan implies the opposition is responsible for. Syria
Inside Egypt's cease-fire efforts Egypt's attempts to broker a cease-fire in Gaza show its commitment to regaining its regional role. Palestine
Israeli Cabinet members blame US for failed cease-fire Backed by Qatar and Turkey and facing American hesitance, Hamas refused the Egyptian-brokered cease-fire, forcing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to begin a ground operation in Gaza to destroy the tunnel networks. Palestine
Tehran mayor says gender segregation a question of dignity The mayor of Tehran has defended plans to segregate city employees by gender, dismissing criticism in the foreign media with, “Let the BBC talk.” Iran
Gaza on alert for Israeli spies Two suspected spies for Israel have been murdered in Gaza since the outbreak of war as locals are on the lookout for suspicious behavior. Palestine
Alevis split on Turkey's presidential elections Alienated Alevi voters may hand Erdogan the presidency. Turkey
Israel, Egypt deny Turkish role in resolving Gaza conflict Israel and Egypt have accused Turkey and Qatar of sabotaging efforts to reach a cease-fire in Gaza so they could then present themselves as mediators. Qatar
Najaf, Qom take different approaches in Iraq The two religious authorities Najaf and Qom have divergent views on Iraq's political affairs, with Mahmoud Hashemi Shahroudi — the religious authority in Qom — identifying various actors in the Iraqi crisis, praising Shiite militias and accusing Sunni politicians. Iraq
