The new politics of Israel's 'Minister of Facebook Affairs' Over the last 12 months, social networks have taken over Israeli politics with Finance Minister Yair Lapid and Knesset member Stav Shaffir especially making effective use of communicating with the public in this way. Israel
US, Iran woo rival Kurdish factions in battle against IS While US airstrikes against the Islamic State have mostly benefited areas controlled by Kurdistan Democratic Party forces, Iran has reportedly provided materiel and advisers to the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan. Iraq
Turkey's new Internet law contradicts its EU ambitions New Turkish legislation on the Internet stands in stark contrast with the democratic norms of the European Union. Turkey
Israel prepares for cyberwars Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu established a new espionage organization devoted entirely to cyberwarfare, to prepare Israel for future conflicts. Palestine
Egypt's border with Libya, Sudan ripe for Islamic State expansion Egypt’s border regions with Libya and Sudan lack government control, and are perfect ground for would-be jihadists to conduct smuggling and build up their strength. Egypt
If talks fail, Hamas says it will not return to war There is little hope a breakthrough will be achieved in the upcoming talks in Cairo between Hamas and Israel, but Hamas officials say they are unlikely to resume armed conflict at this stage. Palestine
Tunisia’s borders open ground for smuggling A lack of border control by Tunisian authorities has resulted in a boom in black market operations along its borders, posing a potential security threat to the country. Algeria
Iran judiciary gives final order to shut down WhatsApp, Viber Jokes about the founder of the Islamic Republic of Iran circuiting on WhatsApp and Viber has resulted in the judiciary ordering the communications minister to close the mobile messaging platforms. Iran
How much of US Middle East policy does Moscow understand? Poor understanding of US and Russian policies has caused commentators to overlook that some of Moscow's and Washington's disagreements over the Middle East are strategic and tactical, but their ends the same. Iraq
Beirut, the concrete jungle of the Middle East Poor urban planning and government inefficiency has resulted in a highly congested Beirut, with little green space and ailing infrastructure. Lebanon
The truth about Turkey and Islamic State oil While oil sales by the Islamic State across the Turkish border are a real problem, the Turkish government does not condone it. Syria
Kurdish identity becomes more acceptable in Turkish society Despite a strong anti-Kurdish discourse, Kurds in Turkey are finding it easier to come out of the political and cultural closet. Turkey
Jewish New Year pilgrimage to Uman, an Israeli trend ? The pilgrimage to Rabbi Nachman of Breslov’s tomb in Uman has this year become the subject of harsh objections from a part of the ultra-Orthodox community worried about mystical-messianic or populist brainwashing of Israelis, both religious and secular. Israel
How and why were 46 Turkish hostages freed? Turkey wonders what brought about the freeing of the hostages taken at its Mosul Consulate and why they obtained their liberty now. Iraq
Do Syrians support US airstrikes in Syria? Syrians worry about US airstrikes; Iran could be bridge to Syria in international coalition against the Islamic State (IS); Syrian Revolutionary Forces reject report of pact with IS; Syrian Kurds lose ground to IS; Iran claims leadership in battle against IS terrorists. Syria
Russia, Iran challenge Kerry’s plan for anti-IS unity at UN The two countries slammed the US and Sunni states for trying to cut out Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. Iraq
