Israel names Ron Dermer next envoy to Washington Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has named his political advisor, the American-born Ron Dermer, to replace Michael Oren as Israel's next ambassador to the US. Israel
Israel bristles at EU measure as Kerry arrives in Amman to push peace talks Netanyahu has criticized the European Union's directive to curtail financial ties with Jewish settlements built outside Israel's 1967 borders. Palestine
The Closer: Why Ron Dermer may be Bibi’s perfect peace envoy Israel’s next envoy to the United States Ron Dermer, may use his ties to the GOP to sell peace to the American right if Netanyahu decides to get serious about negotiations. Palestine
Rouhani criticized in Iran media for saying 'to hell' with critics President Hassan Rouhani's comments calling critics of the nuclear deal "cowards" has been criticized as counter to his "moderate discourse." Iran
131 House members sign letter supporting US diplomacy with Iran (Updated) 17 House Republicans and 114 House democrats signed a letter to President Obama urging him to commit to diplomacy following the election of new Iranian President Hassan Rouhani. Iran
Momentum grows for ICC action on Gaza Most PLO factions, and the vast majority of Palestinians, support having the International Criminal Court investigate possible Israeli war crimes in the Gaza Strip. Palestine
Money, power draw young Iraqis to IS Many young people from Jurf al-Sakhar in Iraq are volunteering to join the Islamic State (IS) to secure a monthly income. Iraq
Erdogan’s presidential ambitions face uphill battle The selection of President-elect Recep Tayyip Erdogan's replacement as AKP leader may create turmoil in the party's ranks. Turkey
Israel accused of using illegal weapons in Gaza war Doctors in the Gaza Strip say they have evidence that shows the Israeli military used internationally prohibited Dense Inert Metal Explosives against civilians during Operation Protective Edge. Palestine
US Deputy NSA Blinken's unannounced visit to UAE to discuss Egypt President Obama's Deputy National Security Advisor Antony Blinken took an unannounced trip to the United Arab Emirates earlier this week to consult with Emirati, Iraqi, and other Gulf country officials on Egypt, the White House has told Al-Monitor. Egypt
Signs of progress in Kerry peace bid US Secretary of State John Kerry extended his trip to the middle east to meet with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas in an effort overcome obstacles to resuming negotiations. Palestine
Kerry: agreement for Israeli-Palestinian peace talks to resume US Secretary of State John Kerry has announced that Israeli and Palestinian negotiators will come to Washington DC next week to begin peace talks. Palestine
Kerry may tap Indyk as peace envoy Diplomatic officials have told Al-Monitor that US secretary of State John Kerry may tap former Clinton Near East envoy Martin Indyk as his Israel-Palestine peace envoy. Palestine
Kerry aims for Israel-Palestine peace accord in 9 months US Secretary of State John Kerry has said that both Israel and Palestine have agreed to put all issues necessary to achieve a final status agreement "on the table for negotiation." Palestine
Aleppo's forgotten Christians The ethnic cleansing of Christians in Mosul has alarmed Aleppo's large Christian community, which criticizes the West for failing to protect the Middle East's Christians. Syria
Turkish opposition remains in denial of its failed strategies The Turkish opposition is unable to admit its failures and blames those who did not turn out to vote for the outcome. Turkey
