Regime, rebels continue clashes in Zabadani Rebel fighters attacked several Syrian army checkpoints around the town of Zabadani, but it has so far failed to produce safe passageways for civilians and rebel fighters. Syria
Obama asks Erdogan to combat anti-Semitism Anti-Semitism has reached alarming levels in Turkey, where public figures are calling out Jewish Turks over Israel's actions in Gaza. Turkey
Strategic, tactical errors leave Islamic State vulnerable Military intervention against the Islamic State must be swift, decisive and relentless to stop the organization in its tracks. Iraq
Turkey overflowing with $36 billion in mystery funds Inflowing money from unknown sources during Turkey's 12 years of AKP rule totals $36 billion. Turkey
Qatar foreign minister believes abducted bishops still alive Qatar’s Foreign Minister Khalid al-Attiyah said that he has obtained information that two bishops kidnapped in Syria last year are still alive. Qatar
Erdogan’s Turkey: unwilling ally in struggle against Islamic State Given Turkey's reluctance, what will be the chances of success for the "coalition" against the Islamic State? Iraq
Is Turkey the weakest link in anti-IS coalition? Held back by political weaknesses and ideological constraints, Ankara is likely to be the weakest and most reluctant member of the planned coalition against the Islamic State. Iraq
Iraqi clerics show support for minorities Iraqi clerics are showing wide support for historically persecuted minorities and working to dismantle the foundations of extremist ideology. Iraq
Relief aid in Gaza failing to reach the most desperate Palestinians in Gaza are complaining about the chaotic distribution of relief aid entering the Gaza Strip, destined for those most severely afflicted by the recent war with Israel. Palestine
Russia focuses on eliminating Middle East terrorist threat Increased terrorist activity in the Middle East has Russia rethink its foreign policy, and support the Arab League's intention of a "comprehensive treaty of collective security." Palestine
Rouhani speaks out against harsh enforcement of veil During speeches in the Iranian city of Mashhad, President Hassan Rouhani has criticized the strict enforcing of veiling laws. Iran
Time for Livni to leave Netanyahu's government Justice Minister Tzipi Livni has been calling from every imaginable forum for a reboot of the negotiations, but given the Netanyahu government’s diplomatic stalemate, it is time for her to resign. Israel
Israel's Ethiopian immigrants lose connection with folklore Ethiopian Jews in Israel are losing part of their unique culture in favor of more mainstream practices. Israel
Turkey faces dilemma in fight against Islamic State Turkey is not keen to have the Kurds, Shiites and the Damascus regime be bolstered in the fight against the Islamic State. Iraq
Will Turkey’s CHP reconcile with Islam? Turkey’s main opposition leader is seeking to reconcile his party with the pious masses, but faces both their deep-rooted suspicions and the resistance of his own hard-core secularists. Turkey
IS beheading of Shiite soldier threatens Lebanon's stability The latest killing by the Islamic State raises worries that Shiite families and clans might retaliate against the Syrian refugee camps in the Bekaa, where many IS supporters are suspected to be present. Lebanon
