Returning Congress gives Iran a pass — for now Key lawmakers kept an open mind on a potential extension of nuclear talks with Iran on their first day back after midterm elections. Iran
Iran news site profiles head of Iraq’s Badr Organization Conservative Iranian website Mashregh News has run a glowing profile of the Iraqi Badr Organization's leader, Hadi al-Amiri. Iran
Politics strain Turkey's first Kurdish-language institute Turkey’s first Kurdish-language institute has been torn between the government and the Kurdish movement, while attracting scholars from all four parts of Kurdistan. Turkey
Erbil becomes center of Iraq's political dialogue With the Islamic State at its doorstep, the Kurdistan Regional Government is becoming a constant in the region's new political equations. Iraq
Syrian authorities arrest opposition leader Louay Hussein, leader of the opposition Building the Syrian State movement, has been arrested Nov. 12 by regime forces on the Syrian-Lebanese border. Syria
Israel investigates B'Tselem claims on shooting Palestinians In an interview with Al-Monitor, B'Tselem Director Hagai El-Ad defends the organization's unequivocal, yet unpopular stance against Israeli policies: ''The moral image of the state is important for many Israelis and not just for B’Tselem activists.'' Palestine
Israeli security officials view Abbas as key to stability Despite the latest terror attacks in the Etzion settlement and at the center of Tel Aviv, Israeli security sources say that Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas is committed to security cooperation with Israel and will work to defuse tension. Palestine
Sistani welcomes Iraqi politicians Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani's welcoming of the Iraqi president and prime minister is not a sign that he is backtracking on steering clear of politics, but that he wants the political arena to succeed in implementing reforms, thereby protecting Iraq's religious and cultural diversity. Iraq
Elements for third Palestinian intifada present The elements that helped trigger the first and second intifadas are present today, raising the possibility of a third Palestinian uprising. Palestine
Jabhat al-Nusra eyes Idlib for Islamic emirate After routing Syrian rebels from Idlib, Jabhat al-Nusra hopes to create an Islamic emirate to rival the Islamic State’s caliphate. Syria
Iran lobbies to revoke Saudi Shiite cleric's death sentence The death sentence for sedition of Saudi Shiite cleric Sheikh Nimr al-Nimr poses another obstacle for President Hassan Rouhani's administration in easing tensions with rival Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia
Why France should worry about its jihadist hopefuls France, which has more citizens fighting with Islamic militants in Syria and Iraq than any other EU country, imposes travel restrictions on jihadist hopefuls and tries to "de-radicalize" Muslim girls seeking to join the Islamic State. Iraq
Turkey trapped between failed Syria policy, Kurds Turkey’s reluctance to extend full support to Kobani may not be entirely related to the Kurdish issue. Syria
For Israelis, Bibi no longer means security Unlike the late Prime Minister Sharon, who initiated the Gaza disengagement precisely when his status as Mr. Security was at stake, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu won't seek a diplomatic initiative even after the same security failure. Palestine
Pope's visit to Turkey is a chance to bridge ancient divide Pope Francis’ visit to Turkey on Nov. 28-30 is not really about Turkey, instead it offers new opportunities to mend the schism with the Orthodox Church. Turkey
Jerusalem, a sanctuary for all The conflict over the Temple Mount, or Noble Sanctuary, is over walls both literal and figurative — and until these separating walls come down, peace in the Middle East will remain just a dream. Palestine
