Does Middle East really need nuclear power? Although five Middle Eastern states are in the planning stages for the construction of nuclear power reactors, their economic benefit is unproven, while solar technologies are more appropriate and as competitive. Saudi Arabia
Rouhani meets ex-US officials but obstacles to deal remain Iranian President Hassan Rouhani held an off-the-record dinner with former senior US officials and cabinet members, but sources say key hurdles to a nuclear deal persist. Iran
Turkey allows headscarves for young students The Turkish government has changed the public school dress code, allowing 9- and 10-year-old female pupils to wear headscarves to school. Turkey
Islamic State attacks test Kurdish-Syrian rebel alliance The Islamic State’s offensive against the Kurdish stronghold of Kobani came only days after the People’s Protection Units formed an alliance with local Syrian rebel brigades to confront the terrorist group. Syria
Hamas weighs alternatives to Palestinian unity government Hamas holds little faith in the newly established consensus government, accusing President Mahmoud Abbas of putting aside the needs of the people of Gaza. Palestine
Egyptian visit to Ethiopian dam raises hopes for resolution Egypt and Ethiopia are showing a willingness to resolve the dispute over the Renaissance Dam, but some fundamental concerns still remain. Egypt
Gaza hospital cleaners strike Hospital cleaners in Gaza are on strike over unpaid wages from the consensus government, one of many problems in Gaza since the reconciliation agreement between Fatah and Hamas. Palestine
Saudis, Iranians benefit from Houthi attack on Sanaa Saudi Arabia and Iran appear to see the Houthis' assault against Sanaa to both their advantages in the fight against extremists in the region and resolving other issues. Gulf
Ethiopian-born Knesset member battles discrimination In an interview with Al-Monitor, Ethiopia-born Knesset member Penina Tamanu-Shata speaks about her fight against discrimination, saying that she decided to be "the voice for the weaker sectors of the population." Israel
Iran nuclear negotiators have no 'authority' to discuss IS Iranian Gen. Massoud Jazayeri said that Iran's nuclear negotiators only have the authority to conduct talks on the nuclear issue, and not the Islamic State, with US officials. Iran
Syrian rebels' access blocked to key Damascus neighborhood Syrian regime and opposition forces continue to clash in suburbs around Damascus, where the rebels are working in vain to reinforce the Jobar front. Syria
Four reasons Hezbollah is concerned by Syrian militants The continuing infiltration of Syrian fundamentalists and terrorists into the southeastern corner of Lebanon might lead to a clash with Israel, or to Sunni-Shiite strife in the already tense areas. Israel
Erdogan says Turkey will join fight against Islamic State Ankara is being forced to get off the fence and join allies against the growing threat from IS and similar groups. Turkey
What did Turkey give IS in exchange for hostages? Turkey admitted to an exchange with the Islamic State for their hostages, but speculation remains on what Turkey promised Liwa al-Tawhid in return. Iraq
Egypt-Israel future ties could depend on Palestinian issue Israel should note that though policy changes may take time in Egypt, sources confirm that the Abdel Fattah al-Sisi administration is inclined to embrace a regional strategic policy to advance the Arab Peace Initiative. Palestine
Politics, Revolutionary Guard Corps still interfere in Iranian soccer While there are some competent officials in Iranian soccer, politics and the Revolutionary Guard still wield too much influence. Iran
