Threat of Islamic State quiets talk of Kirkuk's annexation The security developments triggered by the Islamic State in Kirkuk have superseded talk about the annexation of the city to Iraqi Kurdistan. Iraq
Islamic State war bill may also target Assad As lawmakers prepare legislation to authorize the use of military force against the Islamic State, some worry that strikes in Syria would empower Damascus. Iraq
US, Iran meet amid concern over nuclear deal The United States and Iran held bilateral talks in Geneva as some analysts said prospects for reaching a nuclear deal grow less likely amid the continued impasse on enrichment capacity. Iran
AKP pursues scorched-earth tactics against Gulenists Turkish prosecutors have dropped a corruption probe against President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s son and businessmen close to the government, marking the latest move in the government’s all-out war against the Gulen community. Turkey
Ignoring the Arab Peace Initiative could cost Bibi Unlike Ehud Olmert, Benjamin Netanyahu ignores the Arab League initiative, which will cost Israel its US backing at a crucial moment in the near future. Palestine
Under pressure, Sinai jihadists threaten more beheadings Though Ansar Bayt al-Maqdis has been weakened by Egyptian security forces, the group continues to threaten the stability of the Sinai Peninsula. Egypt
As peace approaches, Turkey's anti-PKK militias may disband Ankara is struggling to find a solution for the state-sponsored village guard system now that the peace process with the PKK is proceeding. Turkey
Does the US trust Turkey? Turkey’s position in the struggle against the Islamic State will determine whether the West will treat it as a friend or a suspect. Turkey
Turkish press targets new first lady Instead of focusing on the AKP's stances on women's rights issues, the secular press has vilified Sare Davutoglu, the prime minister's wife and a medical doctor. Turkey
Young Gazans risk lives to escape to Europe War, poverty and an unrelenting blockade have made Gaza so unbearable that young Palestinians are willing to risk the dangers of illegally immigrating to Europe. Palestine
Reformists lose Tehran city council chairmanship Reformists have lost the chairmanship of Tehran city council, an important position, in a possible indicator for future elections. Iran
Abadi's balance draws praise, but governing Iraq a tightrope act Prime Minister-designate Haider al-Abadi has shown balance and pragmatism in forming a government, but the danger of being drawn into sectarian rhetoric remains. Iraq
Regime tries to root out rebels surrounding Syrian capital Syrian government forces began an offensive last week on the major rebel stronghold of Jobar, the closest rebel-held area to Damascus. Syria
After Gaza, Hamas and Fatah back to bickering The coming months will test whether Fatah and Hamas leaders can effectively manage reconstruction in Gaza and make advances toward an independent Palestinian state. Palestine
Cult or slavery? Israel watches the strange case of Goel Ratzon A court is soon expected to deliver its verdict on Goel Ratzon, who is accused of holding dozens of women and children in slavery and committing sexual offenses against them. Israel
Europe blind to Islamic State's true threat With the Islamic State drawing recruits from across Europe, the continent must act against the movement in Syria and Iraq before it's too late. Near East
