Syria, West explore cooperation to fight Islamic State Western intelligence officials have reportedly reached out to the Syrian government on potential cooperation over the Islamic State threat, but so far little progress has been made. Syria
Iraqis call to end sectarian quotas for some ministries Iraqi intellectuals and trade unionists have called for the appointment of qualified people to head government ministries rather than relying on sectarian quotas. Iraq
Iran nuclear talks to resume Sept. 18 Iran and the six world powers will resume nuclear negotiations on Sept. 18 in New York, as the parties seek to reach a comprehensive nuclear accord by Nov. 24. Iran
US official: Islamic State threatens to outpace al-Qaeda Matthew Olsen, a senior US counterterrorism official, says it will not be possible to defeat the Islamic State without a new government in Syria that excludes President Bashar al-Assad. Iraq
Turkey's EU accession remains in limbo While Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu has raised questions with talk of building a "New Turkey" through an unclear "restoration" process, he has also sent out signals that he is serious about the EU accession process. Turkey
Muslim anti-Israeli views are not European anti-Semitism While the roots of anti-Semitism in Europe are deep, anti-Israel attitudes in the Muslim world can be changed with a solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Israel
Egypt seeks help in disarming Libyan militias While denying accusations that it helped conduct air strikes in Libya, Cairo is seeking international support for an initiative to stabilize the country and disarm the militias. Egypt
Reformist cleric skips Assembly of Experts session The 16th session of Iran's Assembly of Experts, which supervises and chooses the supreme leader, has convened without its speaker due to illness and one member who abstained in protest over Basiji persecution. Iran
What's different in Damascus? Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has made changes in the economic and services ministries of the new government in a bid to overcome economic challenges and gather support by addressing charges of corruption. Lebanon
Unity government at crossroads as Fatah and Hamas bicker It didn’t take long after the war for Fatah and Hamas to air disagreements publicly over the reconstruction and management of Gaza. Palestine
Haunted by war, Gaza residents try to rebuild Residents in the Gaza border town of Khuza’a recall traumatic arrests and killings by the Israeli army as they begin to rebuild their lives and homes. Palestine
Iraqi intellectuals start campaigns to end bloodshed Iraqi educational and cultural leaders are drawing wide support from Iraqis of all sects. Iraq
Israeli Golan residents tell government to 'wake up' In an interview with Al-Monitor, Eli Malka, head of the Golan Regional Council, expressed concern that with violence in Syria spilling over into the Golan, inaction by the Israeli government might lead to residents there living under conditions similar to those of communities along the border with Gaza. Palestine
Iran’s energy resources to pose challenges for Russia Despite Russia’s long diplomatic support for the country, Iran may ultimately present more challenges than opportunities for Moscow as it enters the world energy market. Russia
Ferguson could lead to more US weapons for Middle East Congress wants to clamp down on leftover military equipment going to local police departments, but what will happen to all that surplus gear? Iraq
Tangled web of alliances emerges as Middle East divides into blocs The Middle East is divided into three blocs, but all have a common enemy in the Islamic State. Regional
