Iran media faces backlash over acid attacks coverage Iranian authorities have criticized domestic and international media organizations for suggesting the crimes may have been connected to veiling enforcement. Iran
Militants target civil activists in Libya Rebel militias have killed at least 35 prominent civil society figures and kidnapped countless others this year as part of a greater campaign of violence in the absence of any central police force in many parts of Libya. Libya
Palestinian elections on hold until further notice The reconciliation government has yet to hold the presidential and parliamentary elections in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, as Hamas and Fatah accuse each other of stalling this democratic process. Palestine
IS uses intelligence to purge opponents The Islamic State is unique in being a terrorist organization with its own intelligence apparatus that it uses to eliminate its opponents and increase its strength. Iraq
Endgame for Iran nuclear talks As the Nov. 24 deadline approaches, Iranian and US nuclear negotiators are preparing for the final push. Iran
Lebanese army retakes Tripoli neighborhood After a weekend of intense fighting in the old souk, Tripoli residents remain on edge, even though the Lebanese army has regained control for now. Lebanon
Syrian youth worry about draft Many Syrian youth are considering fleeing the country to avoid being forced to join the army as "backup" forces. Syria
Why do Greek Cypriots call Turkey the aggressor? The Greek Cypriots suspended peace talks with Turkish Cypriots and threatened to block Turkey’s EU accession talks after Turkey sent a hydrocarbon survey ship off the Greek Cypriot shore. Turkey
Meretz hopes to restore Israeli left to its glory days The growth of the Meretz Party in the polls has become a draw for young people who want to return the left to its glory days: “We will not apologize for our agenda. We are standing up against the right,” says Uri Zaki, who is responsible for the party’s reorganization efforts. Israel
Fatah’s Revolutionary Council grapples with growing issues At its last meeting, Fatah’s Revolutionary Council discussed relations with Hamas, negotiations with Israel and internal disputes with Mohammed Dahlan’s movement. Palestine
Egyptian cinema tries to find its place Post-revolution cinema in Egypt has found it must walk a fine line and ensure that it is criticizing the right people, as "The Island 2" currently in cinemas does its best to. Egypt
Behind the numbers: Cairo donor conference The financial commitments announced by donors at the Cairo conference and allocated to the Gaza Strip will not be diverted to the PA and the West Bank, as some media outlets have claimed. Palestine
Islamic State fears hang over Baghdad The Islamic State’s advance toward Baghdad is causing stress and confusion among residents, though government forces are maintaining a tight grip on the capital. Iraq
Will European ambassadors return to Syria? According to one Syrian official, European ambassadors might be returning to resume their functions in Syria, as the West has started to realize that the Syrian army is the only one able to fight terrorism. Lebanon
Shahroudi seen as likely candidate to head Assembly of Experts Ayatollah Mahmoud Hashemi Shahroudi is considered a strong candidate to head the Assembly of Experts as the Iranian leadership reshuffles after the death of late chairman Ayatollah Mohammad Reza Mahdavi Kani. Iran
Tunisians hope new leaders tackle pollution, development Tunisians no longer trust their politicians, especially the residents of Gabes who are still suffering from pollution, unemployment and underdevelopment. Tunisia
