Tunisia's costly battle against its militants Tunisia, praised internationally for post-revolution stability, cracks down on militants with the public's support, especially since the assassination of secular opposition leaders Chokri Belaid and Mohamed Brahmi in 2013. Tunisia
Will Turkey’s Kurdish movement renounce violence? If Turkey’s Kurdish politicians want more understanding from Turkey, they can help themselves by opposing the violence of their comrades. Syria
Israel should protect 'old front' with Jordan To maintain the special Israeli-Jordanian ties, Israel should be sensitive to the internal pressures facing the Hashemite kingdom and promote a real diplomatic process with the Palestinians. Palestine
World-famous Turkish pianist blocked from Ankara orchestra Internationally renowned Turkish pianist Fazil Say faces an embargo in his own country as the government continues its censorship in the arts. Turkey
European women convert, join IS European women have been converting to Islam and joining the Islamic State's ranks in Syria, after watching and hearing stories about jihad on social media platforms. Syria
Dane in Lebanon arrested for being alleged IS fighter Araby Ibrahim, a Lebanese man holding a Danish passport, was arrested in Lebanon on suspicion of fighting alongside the Islamic State in Syria. Lebanon
Al-Aqsa’s women resist Palestinian women have taken it upon themselves to protect the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound from the trespasses of Israeli extremists. Palestine
Iraqis show their love on bridges The love padlocks on Pont Des Arts in Paris has inspired young Iraqis to show love for their sweethearts with padlocks on bridges, but not everyone approves. Iraq
Sisi's land cultivation plan ignores worsening water crisis Egypt has put forward proposals to cultivate 4 million acres of land for growing crops, but questions are being raised about where the water will come from. Egypt
What does Hezbollah mean by 'painful concessions' in Syria? UN Syria envoy meets Hezbollah official; Erdogan sets back Turkey-Iran ties and points out US "mistake"; Israel seeks to suppress "silent intifada" in Jerusalem. Palestine
Egyptians visit Washington to defend their 'revolution' On a charm offensive to Washington, a group of influential Egyptians defended the ouster of Mohammed Morsi but got pushback on Egypt’s human rights record and decision to declare the Muslim Brotherhood a terrorist group. Egypt
The unintended consequences of Iran's arms embargo The UN arms embargo on Iran, an instrument of duress over the nuclear issue, does not reflect geopolitical realities and must be lifted — and soon, as the situation with IS grows ever more urgent. Iran
UN must hold Iran to human rights promises This month, world governments have an opportunity to directly press Iranian authorities to improve women's rights during the Universal Periodic Review at the UN Human Rights Council. Iran
Fearing privatization, Iranian mine workers strike While President Hassan Rouhani has promised to increase domestic production in Iran, strikes in the country surrounding privatization demonstrate the limits of his promises. Iran
Netanyahu shows himself to be educational elitist An argument between Negev and Galilee Development Minister Silvan Shalom and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stirred up the issue of pupils of Mizrahi origin discriminated against and sent unjustifiably to vocational schools. Israel
Neglect, provocation feed East Jerusalem unrest Coping with the growing violence requires more than increased policing in East Jerusalem, where discrimination and neglect deprive residents of infrastructure, education and services. Palestine
