Eid al-Adha: a time for Iraq to remember its war dead The religious duty of visiting the dead on holidays has a special meaning for Iraqis, as many of them have lost loved ones in successive wars since the 1980s. Iraq
Abbas makes last-ditch effort to win Palestinian independence The approaching end of Mahmoud Abbas’ presidency has prompted him to push harder for Palestinian independence, hoping it will be his parting legacy. Palestine
How Saudi Arabia is distancing itself from Islamic State While Saudi Arabia has confronted the Islamic State, the country has denied there is any connection between its state religion and the jihadist group. Gulf
Syrians on both sides oppose US strikes Local rebels and pro-regime supporters are both critical of the US-led strikes on the Islamic State for various reasons. Syria
Lapid's budget a betrayal of social justice The 2015 Israeli budget achieves two of Finance Minister Yair Lapid's goals, but reflects the political interests of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rather than making a commitment to social justice. Israel
Jordan on high alert for possible IS retaliation Jordanians are worried the Islamic State will conduct terror attacks in response to the kingdom’s participation in the US-led coalition that is targeting the group in Syria. Iraq
Abbas' speech warning siren for Israel The UN General Assembly speech by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas reflects first and foremost the Palestinians' despair of any hope for peace with the current Israeli leadership. Palestine
Iran's disabled veterans lack services, access Disabled veterans in Iran believe that not enough is being done for them, especially those suffering from chemical injuries from the Iran-Iraq war. Iran
US leverages Iran-Iraq-Syria axis against Islamic State New alignment offers the potential for breakthrough in the battle against extremist groups; the Arab world has a pulse, not an illness. Iraq
Iran's webs of corruption prevalent, but hidden Corruption under former President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has proven too systematic and complex to undo without major reforms. Iran
Diplomat: 'Limited progress' in Iran nuclear talks A Western diplomat said some limited progress had been made in Iran nuclear talks in New York but significant gaps on core issues remain. Iran
Hezbollah squeezed out of Golan by Jabhat al-Nusra, Israel The infiltration of Syrian militants into Lebanon threatens Hezbollah’s presence in the strategic Golan Heights. Israel
Proposed Egyptian law to reduce restrictions on building churches The houses of worship law is likely to pass in the Egyptian parliament, but the problem lies in whether the government can enforce it amid the apprehensions of radical Salafists. Egypt
Turkish-Egyptian ties are at a standstill Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan tells the UN General Assembly that Ankara’s support for ousted Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi and the Muslim Brotherhood will continue. Egypt
Harsh winter awaits Gaza's displaced As winter draws closer, displaced families in the Gaza Strip are still waiting for reconstruction to begin on their homes. Palestine
No names needed: Obama rebukes Erdogan While Presidents Barack Obama and Recep Tayyip Erdogan remain sharply different in their values and interests, the US-Turkey relationship is as strong as ever — and much more wary. Syria
