Mahdavi Kani's death leaves room for hard-liners to expand The passing of Assembly of Experts chair Ayatollah Mahdavi Kani may open the door for hard-liners to take over Iran's conservative faction. Iran
Jerusalem's 'silent intifada' Following the latest Jerusalem terror attack in which a baby girl was killed, calls were being heard in Israel to quickly suppress the "silent intifada," even though one incident on Temple Mount might explode the region. Palestine
Religious reforms imposed in Iraqi schools, universities Protests erupted in Iraq following a decision to impose gender segregation in schools and universities. Iraq
Concerns rise in Lebanon as another soldier defects A handful of soldiers have defected from the Lebanese army to join Jabhat al-Nusra, which has caused concern among the Lebanese that it might become a trend. Lebanon
Turkish navy sails through rough seas Turkey is using its navy to display its global prowess, after the Sledgehammer trials saw many naval officers detained and forcibly retired. Turkey
Israeli Jewish, Arab authors collaborate on bilingual book The ''two languages'' project, including a website and an anthology that was just published, was born out of the mutual curiosity of Jewish and Arab writers and editors about each other's literary scene, so unknown to either side. Palestine
Bibi's Iran nuclear talks blunder Israel's failure to influence the emerging agreement between the world powers and Iran should be cast on Prime Minister Netanyahu, who failed to adapt to the evolving reality of a new Iranian regime, in which the West sees a potential partner. Palestine
Turkish government ramps up privatization A Turkish plan to privatize major public properties has come under fire from the opposition and sparked layoff worries among workers. Turkey
Iran, Saudi Arabia jockey for power in Yemen Yemen has become a stage for the conflict between Iran and Saudi Arabia on religious, economic, political and military levels. Saudi Arabia
Iraqi leaders on track for cooperation The atmosphere of cooperation currently prevailing among the Iraqi presidency, government and parliament should turn into a long-term project leading Iraq toward a better future. Iraq
Palestinians mourn celebrated businessman, philanthropist Prominent Palestinian businessman Said Khoury left behind a philanthropic legacy prompted by his desire that Palestinians everywhere live in dignity. Palestine
Republicans threaten showdown over UN funding in Gaza Sens. Marco Rubio and Mark Kirk say they’re “dumbfounded” by Secretary of State John Kerry’s $156 million pledge to the UN agency for Palestinian refugees. Palestine
Israel accuses Turkey of aiding Hamas coup plan Israeli Defense Minister Moshe Ya’alon accused Turkey of being indifferent to the preparations of Hamas' Istanbul office to attempt a coup against Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas. Palestine
Iranians protest acid attacks Protests have sprung up in Esfahan over the acid attacks that have terrorized the citizens there and concerns of potential leniency by authorities. Iran
US-Russia cooperation needed in IS fight The United States should reconsider its harsh rhetoric toward Russia, as the two countries could constructively cooperate in the fight against the Islamic State. Syria
Turkish government aims to 'save' marriages Turkey’s government has launched a drive to curb the divorce rate, up 38% over the past decade, but the services it has offered have come under criticism as meddling in citizens’ private lives. Turkey
