Egypt journalists refrain from criticizing state A number of Egyptian editors issued a statement in which they pledged not to criticize the state's institutions, which some consider a nationalization of the media in Egypt by President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. Egypt
Congress weighs arming Iraqi Kurds Key leaders of both parties are championing legislation to directly support Erbil in its fight against the Islamic State. Iraq
Kerry: driving toward 'outline' of final Iran nuclear accord US Secretary of State John Kerry said the Iran nuclear talks were headed for "the outline of an agreement" before the Nov. 24 deadline for a final deal. Iran
Kurdish, Iraqi energy ministers pledge new era of cooperation Western oil ministers and experts warn that a recent agreement between the Baghdad and Erbil governments to export 150,000 barrels of oil a day through Turkey is just a first step toward re-unifying Iraq and meeting global energy demand. Iraq
Lebanon looks to reform business practices Lebanon was once a hub for business in the Middle East, but in recent years it has struggled to regain its former glory. Lebanon
Is Iran's 'Dark Knight' supporting nuclear talks? Little is known about Iranian Gen. Qasem Soleimani's political views, yet some believe he is an "invisible force" supporting Iranian nuclear talks. Iraq
Sufis look for a political role in Egypt Sufis have vowed to make an impact during Egypt’s next elections, in an attempt to push back against the Muslim Brotherhood and Salafists. Egypt
Israeli security defends Abbas Israeli security apparatus agrees with the political echelon that Mahmoud Abbas incites the Palestinian street over Temple Mount, but argues that Abbas maintains security cooperation with Israel and condemns terror attacks. Palestine
Turkish military support to Afghanistan rises While most countries are downsizing their military assistance to Afghanistan, Turkey is offering more military support and training. Turkey
Tehran's missing $14 billion Iranian investigation of the gold trade with Turkey, and Tehran’s pursuit of its missing $14 billion, are likely to strain bilateral ties. Turkey
From Ataturk to Erdogan: Turks rewrite history In the 1930s, Ataturk promoted a radical revision of history to boost the morale of Turks, while today President Recep Tayyip Erdogan seems to be engaging in another historical revision to boost the morale of fellow Muslims. Turkey
Islamic State in Sinai poses threat to Hamas Despite Hamas denials, Islamic State cells exist in the Gaza Strip, and its declaration of a state in the Sinai may accelerate its expansion as Hamas’ grip on Gaza loosens. Palestine
Why should Qatar reconcile with Egypt? To improve ties with its Gulf neighbors, Qatar should re-evaluate its ties with Egypt’s Muslim Brotherhood and restore its relations with the current Egyptian government. Saudi Arabia
Transparency project targets Knesset members In an interview with Al-Monitor, journalist Tomer Avital talks about his social-journalistic Internet enterprise titled “One hundred days of transparency,” with the goal of subjecting elected officials to new standards of transparency. Israel
Could Israel’s policies pave way for an intifada? Israel’s systematic marginalization of Palestinian residents in Jerusalem and its separation of them from the Palestinian Authority are recreating the ingredients for an uprising. Palestine
'Conflict freeze' desperately needed in Aleppo Residents of Aleppo are losing patience with the hardships the war has brought and want an end to the conflict that has ruined their city and their lives. Syria
