Iran says nuclear talks to resume Jan. 15 Iran says the nuclear talks will resume in January as the parties try to reach a final deal in the new year. Iran
Reactions mixed in Iran to US-Cuba detente While some Iranians hope that the US-Cuba rapprochement could lead to one with Iran, others believe there are more differences than similarities between the two situations. Iran
Rubio predicts no immediate vote on Iran sanctions The new Republican Senate will likely start by demanding an up-or-down vote on any Iran nuclear deal, Sen. Marco Rubio tells NPR. Congress
Iran mourns general killed by IS in Iraq Iranian Gen. Hamid Taghavi, killed in Iraq, played in important role in Iran's efforts in the country. Iraq
Turkey's internal Kurdish tensions flare Deep-rooted strains between secular-nationalist Kurds and Islamist Kurds may reignite in the wake of the civil war in Iraq and Syria. Turkey
Israel's new rules for social media in politics The social network revolution, combined with the 2011 social protest and increased transparency in politics, have pushed aside veteran politicians in favor of fresh senior politicians such as Yair Lapid, Naftali Bennett and, lately, Moshe Kahlon. Israel
Why the world doesn't see Palestine's suffering The failed vote at the UN Security Council exposes the Palestinians' problem of conveying the daily suffering of life under Israeli occupation to the world. Palestine
Iraqi youths embrace religious traditions In the historic towns of Babil and Karbala, religion has come to determine every aspect of social life. Iraq
Saudi support shores up talks in Lebanon Saudi Arabia is overwhelmed with risks on several fronts, which might explain its efforts to promote a Sunni-Shiite and a Christian-Christian dialogue in Lebanon and bring its ally Saad Hariri back to the table. Saudi Arabia
Lebanese women not safe despite domestic violence law The Lebanese parliament has passed a law on domestic violence, but many argue that it is insufficient. Lebanon
Egypt-Qatar rapprochement rattles Hamas Hamas is concerned that the rapprochement between Egypt and Qatar will result in Doha downgrading its ties with the Palestinian Islamist movement. Qatar
2015 promises showdown between Obama, Congress With Republicans in control of both chambers, President Barack Obama will lose the ability to deal with Iran and Islamic State on his own terms. Originals
Russian crisis worries Turkish businesses Hopes that Western sanctions against Moscow would benefit Turkey appear to have been premature. Turkey
Iran marks anniversary of anti-Green Movement protests The 2009 election protests in Iran continue to play a large part in politics, and their anniversaries still make headlines every year. Iran
Jerusalem's Arab bus drivers speak out Jerusalem has seemingly calmed down after several weeks of unrest, but Arab bus drivers tell Al-Monitor that they are constantly subjected to insults and attacks by extremist Jewish passengers. Israel
Netanyahu's calls to Likud too little too late While Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has personally asked Likud Party members to support more moderate candidates, he was too late to stop his party from being taken over by settlers and extreme right politicians. Israel
