New Turkish law deals blow to unions Turkey's unionized workforce has dropped from 57.5% to 9.6% over the past decade, with Ankara offering weak solutions to the problem, including a hotline where workers can report their bosses. Turkey
Attack on US sailors highlights state of US-Turkish ties US officials condemn the Istanbul attack on three US sailors as "ugly and disturbing," and say it is “a great discredit upon the Turks and the Turkish reputation for hospitality.” Turkey
In Iran, some conservatives balk at sanctions 'suspension' As the nuclear talks' deadline looms, some Iranian conservatives distrust the US political process and fear a potential temporary and reversible suspension of sanctions. Iran
Arab MKs aim to restore dialogue with Israelis In an interview with Al-Monitor, Arab Knesset members Haneen Zoabi, Basel Ghattas and Jamal Zahalka claim that the Israeli media categorize and demonize them in a way that prevents them from entering into a dialogue with the public. Palestine
Egyptian activists fight battle of 'empty stomachs' At least 110 Egyptian political prisoners are on hunger strike to protest their treatment, receiving assistance from activists who are highlighting their plight. Egypt
Despite isolation, Gaza drug smuggling continues Even with the closure of most tunnels between Gaza and Egypt, drugs such as Tramadol are still finding their way onto Gaza’s streets. Palestine
Can Islamic State keep control of Mosul? The wide Sunni sympathy for the Islamic State in Mosul cracked less than two months into its occupation, and residents are increasingly horrified by rampant arrests and executions. Iraq
Development plan needed for peace in Yemen The Gulf Initiative has failed to bring peace to Yemen, prompting the need for a new initiative that is more realistic and includes a long-term economic and development plan. Saudi Arabia
Disillusioned, Fatah considers third intifada While unrest continues in Jerusalem and the West Bank, and despite opposition from Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, Fatah militants might stop objecting to an intifada and even take the lead. Palestine
Hagel: Taking out Assad won't put IS 'back in the box' Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel shot down reports that the Obama administration is considering a change of targets in its fight against the Islamic State. Syria
Turkey's Kurdish client state Turkey has tremendous financial and security influence over the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, exposing Erbil to economic and political vulnerabilities. Iraq
Sidon: another Lebanese flashpoint Following incidents in Tripoli and Arsal, members of a terrorist cell in Sidon, the capital of the Lebanese south, were arrested by the Lebanese army, thus foiling another attempt to escalate the security situation. Lebanon
Lapid finally steps up to the plate Finance Minister Yair Lapid has apparently cut a deal with Foreign Minister Avigdor Liberman, enabling him to promote his flagship bill proposal over a zero-VAT for housing. Israel
Three US sailors roughed up in Istanbul Members of the Youth Association of Turkey roughed up three US sailors, reflecting once again the uneasy nature of the US-Turkey relationship. Turkey
Libya's south on edge of chaos While the world's attention is focused on disputes in coastal Libya, the tribal-controlled south is unstable, and a collapse of order would have consequences for the whole region. Libya
Hamas frets over Ennahda’s election loss Hamas is carefully studying Ennahda’s election loss in Tunisia amid concerns that Hamas may suffer a similar result if elections were soon held in Palestine. Palestine
