Israel's budget favors defense over poverty Israel's fronts are less threatened by real powers than ever before, but Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is increasing the defense budget over alleviating poverty and dealing with the cost of living and housing. Israel
Iranian MP demands Rouhani end house arrests Iranian parliament member Ali Motahhari has warned President Hassan Rouhani that if he doesn't end the house arrests of the 2009 presidential candidates, he wil be called for a parliament hearing. Iran
Is Abbas one vote from Security Council majority? Faced with a diplomatic stalemate unprecedented since the Oslo Accord, the Palestinians have given up on negotiating with Israel, opting instead to go to the UN Security Council, where they appear on the verge of securing a majority. Palestine
Syrian women's group paints for peace The Syrian Women’s Forum for Peace has launched a new project to paint murals across Syrian cities, in an attempt to spread peace and life in the hearts of Syrians who are suffering from the effects of the war. Syria
Looking behind the Russia-Iran relationship Despite the common perception of Russia as Iran's main backer outside the region, the two big regional players’ relations are shaped by long-term interests that can clash with immediate concerns and may complicate the battle against the Islamic State. Russia
Former Labor politician faults the left for supporting Netanyahu In an interview with Al-Monitor, Ophir Pines lamented that the left has not challenged Israel's right-wing government on the diplomatic and defense fronts, but said a historic opportunity lies ahead for regime change. Israel
Turkish curfews attempt to manage rising street violence Turkey’s Kurds pour their anger into the streets and the government declares a curfew in five predominantly Kurdish cities. Syria
Sacred citrons mean big business for Israeli farmers The mystical citron fruit, used by Jews during the Feast of the Tabernacles, continues to captivate the imaginations of those who cultivate it and of Jews around the world seeking "the most beautiful citron." Israel
Kerry, Ashton, Zarif to meet as Iran deadline looms European Union foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton, US Secretary of State John Kerry and Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif are to meet in Vienna Oct. 14-15 amid increasing concerns the Nov. 24 deadline for an Iran nuclear deal won't be met. Originals
Nusra attacks on Lebanon attempt to 'change rules of game' Attacks by Jabhat al-Nusra on Hezbollah-controlled positions inside Lebanon represent a troubling development for the Lebanese and possibly the regime in Damascus as well. Lebanon
Sinai militants rise again The jihadist group Ansar Bayt al-Maqdis is adapting to its war with the Egyptian army and is regaining strength in the Sinai Peninsula. Egypt
Iraq’s Shiite authority flexes its political muscle The Shiite authority in Iraq, led by Ali al-Sistani, has set out guidelines for social powers and responsibilities, ensuring it remains connected to Shiite communities. Iraq
How US airstrikes are affecting Moscow's Syria policy A central goal of Russia's Syria policy is to relegitimize the Syrian regime in the eyes of the United States and its allies in the region, and oblige them to recognize it as an ally in the fight against extremism. Syria
Iran op-ed asks Soleimani to defend Kobani A conservative Iranian news site has published an op-ed asking Quds Force leader Qasem Soleimani to defend the Kurds of Kobani as Iranians in various cities protest to show support. Syria
How Turkey repeated US mistakes in Afghanistan Turkey’s Syrian adventure, and its unintended midwifery to the Islamic State, hold major lessons for Turkish foreign policy. Turkey
Syrian price spikes: Aleppo gas increases by 140% Strikes by the US-led coalition on the Islamic State have targeted oil wells and refineries, causing prices of basic commodities in Syria to skyrocket. Syria
