Who is Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi? Details emerge about the years that Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, leader of the Islamic State, spent in Afghanistan. Iraq
Parliamentary committee endorses limited enrichment for Iran A British report could help the Barack Obama administration sell an Iranian nuclear accord — or extension of the interim agreement — to a skeptical Congress. Iran
Hamas' attack on Israel destroys Gaza Hamas rose to power through those in Gaza who wished to better their dire situation, but the movement chose to invest its resources in attacking Israel, ignoring the devastating consequences of its choice on the population. Palestine
Israel and Hamas' lose-lose situation The current escalation in the Gaza Strip could have been avoided had Israel truly agreed to the two-state solution, thus nullifying the political force of Hamas and its desire to hurt Israel at any cost. Palestine
The sirens of Tel Aviv The people of Tel Aviv insist on maintaining normalcy by going to the beach and watching the World Cup, despite the rockets flying overhead, yet, something in the city has cracked this time around. Palestine
Iran may legalize vigilantes to combat 'corruption and filth' A new law proposed by Iranian conservatives would offer legal protection to ordinary citizens who desire to interfere in the public lives of citizens. Iran
Iran back in Capitol Hill’s cross hairs A look at the Middle East issues Congress will be addressing the week of July 14. Iraq
Iranian military vows to uphold cultural norms Iran’s military has called the breaking of cultural norms a national security threat and urges all government institutions to help it enforce the law. Iran
Kerry to press Iran to make 'critical choices' for nuclear accord US Secretary of State John Kerry and European foreign ministers are working to assess whether an Iran nuclear deal can be reached by the July 20 deadline. Iran
Erdogan: Gaza strife threatens Turkish-Israeli rapprochement Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, unlike previous instances, gave a relatively measured response to the Israeli operations in Gaza — but says they threaten prospects for Turkish reconciliation. Palestine
Jordan's Brotherhood bets on economic plan to improve its image The Islamic Action Front has begun an economic plan for Jordan, potentially heralding a shift in strategy away from political reforms and more on public policy. Jordan
Syrian refugees in Egypt determined to get to Europe Despite the high risks, Syrian refugees in Egypt are taking to the sea in search of a better life in Europe. Egypt
Netanyahu, Ya'alon prefer airstrikes over ground attack Lessons learned from the second Lebanon war, international objections and politics are all playing a part in Turkish Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's decision to postpone a Gaza ground attack. Palestine
Who fired the rockets from Lebanon? The group who fired two rockets into Israel is unknown, but the Lebanese army is tracking a suspect who may resolve the mystery. Palestine
Iraqi minorities victim of sectarian conflict The minorities in Iraq are subject to religious restrictions in the areas controlled by the Islamic State, which might lead to their extinction. Iraq
Egypt distances itself from Gaza war Egypt is not playing an active role to mediate a cease-fire, as it has done in previous confrontations between Israel and Hamas, suggesting that it might prefer Israel delivering a blow to Hamas. Palestine
