Iran’s Rouhani eyes leading role in anti-terror campaign A conference in Iran aims to position the country as the leading fighter against terrorism in the region instead of foreign troops. Regional
The true power couple of the Israeli elections Former Minister Moshe Kahlon’s quiet alliance with Foreign Minister Avigdor Liberman is part of a move that might crown them as kingmakers who will determine Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s fate. Israel
Corruption, 'ghost contractors' sink Baghdad after rains After the first rainfall of the season, Iraqis have blamed flooding on corruption that is delaying construction projects. Iraq
US, Iran to hold bilateral talks in Geneva The United States and Iran will hold one-on-one talks in Geneva Dec. 15-16 as they redouble efforts to reach a final nuclear accord. Iran
Erdogan defends Brotherhood's Qaradawi after arrest warrant Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan slammed Egypt for requesting an arrest warrant from Interpol for Yusuf al-Qaradawi, the ideological leader of the Muslim Brotherhood. Egypt
Turkey hits back at US over torture report While Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu expressed his hope that the United States “will not repeat such inhuman treatment,” Turkey's alleged cooperation with the CIA over rendition of Islamic terror suspects is conveniently overlooked. Turkey
Energy deals may make Turkey irreversibly reliant on Moscow Despite the celebratory sentiment in Ankara after Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit, Turkey’s energy dependence on Russia is bound to further increase with nuclear power plant projects. Turkey
Businesses boom as Syrians put down roots in Turkey Ankara has acknowledged the prospect of at least 1 million Syrian refugees never leaving, as many set up companies, buy property and open schools. Syria
Egypt looks to roll back Islamist militias in Libya The Egyptian government is closely coordinating with the elected parliament and government in Libya to win back control of Benghazi and Tripoli. Egypt
Gaza universities struggle to stay afloat Gaza’s universities are cutting professors’ salaries, reducing grants and increasing tuition fees as a result of the financial crisis plaguing the Gaza Strip. Palestine
Washington, Europe will wait to see if Bibi stays or goes Until the March 2015 elections in Israel, the United States and Europe will attempt to balance nonintervention and expressing policy positions relevant to the Palestinian issue. Palestine
Iran official calls for UN investigation of CIA torture Long a target of human rights sanctions, Iran has called for a UN investigation into human rights violations by the United States. Iran
UAE chocolatiers 'rebrand' dates, camel milk into luxury treats Two United Arab Emirates companies have found international success with luxury confections made with local ingredients such as dates and camel milk. United Arab Emirates
Rajoub: Abu Ein's death will spark uprising, not violence Senior Fatah officials blame Israel for the death of Palestinian Cabinet Minister Ziad Abu Ein, as does Jibril Rajoub, who says that in spite of the death of a “man of peace,” the nonviolent uprising will continue, while Israel fears escalation. Palestine
Shadow government set up in Erdogan’s white palace Worried about corruption investigations and intent on holding on to power, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is setting up a shadow government. Turkey
Facing Livni-Herzog alliance, Netanyahu needs Bennett The unity deal between former Minister Tzipi Livni and Labor Chairman Isaac Herzog signals more political mergers until the elections, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu left with only Economy and Trade Minister Naftali Bennett. Israel
