On Israel's left, Herzog is Livni's real electoral challenge The ''anyone but Bibi'' trend sweeping Israeli politics lately might harm the Likud Party and help Labor and opposition leader Isaac Herzog, but according to polls it does not reduce the overall size of the right-wing camp. Israel
Iran VP: We'll manage even if oil drops to $40 Iranian officials and media outlets have expressed concern over the president’s budget for the next Iranian year, worrying that the administration has been overly optimistic in predicting oil prices. Iran
Iran's budget tackles falling oil prices Iranian President Hassan Rouhani's $294 billion budget for 2015 shows his government is willing to cut costs to compensate for falling oil prices, but makes no allowance for the absence of a nuclear deal with the West. Iran
Ain al-Hilweh refuge for militants, fugitives Ain al-Hilweh, the largest Palestinian refugee camp in Lebanon, is a safe haven for fugitives and militants, while the Lebanese state is moving to extend its mandate over the Sidon area and improve the security situation. Lebanon
Egypt passes new law on 'terrorist' entities Egypt has passed a new law defining individuals and entities to be deemed terrorist, prompting fears that many human rights activists and civil society organizations with ties to the Muslim Brotherhood will be targeted. Egypt
Kerry seeks authority to target Islamic State affiliates anywhere The secretary of state says IS affiliates would be considered as terrorist associates covered by a use of force authorization. Regional
Russia steps up its Middle East policy Russia has recently increased its diplomatic efforts in the Middle East on a variety of fronts, ranging from Arab-Israeli peace to trade with Lebanon and military cooperation with Sudan. Iraq
Erdogan wants youth to learn Ottoman-era Turkish Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is taking fire for his vow to make Ottoman-era Turkish a compulsory course in high schools. Turkey
Animosity for the West drives Erdogan, Putin closer Russia’s political difficulties with the United States and Europe provide what appears at first sight to be a windfall for Turkey. Turkey
Israel-Hezbollah deterrence game continues The reported airstrike against a convoy on its way from Lebanon to Syria has not yet sparked a strong reaction by Hezbollah against Israel, probably because its patron Iran is still negotiating a nuclear deal. Israel
Is this Netanyahu's last political fight? The Likud election campaign will reveal a party much different than that of former elections, having turned from a liberal-right party anchored in development towns, into a hub of the settlers. Israel
Fatah official: Israel, Hamas in direct talks A Fatah official has confirmed claims by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas about Israel and Hamas holding direct talks, claiming that the two sides are engaged in security cooperation. Palestine
Greed, family breakdowns afflict Gaza society Gaza’s society is reeling from the stresses of the last Israeli war, with families falling apart amid great psychological pressure. Palestine
Israeli strikes on Syria hit Iranian weapons destined for Hezbollah Syrian military sources tell Al-Monitor that Israeli warplanes struck storage depots with Iranian weapons that were to be sent to Hezbollah in Lebanon. Israel
Trapped Palestinian students demand Gaza crossings reopen Approximately 1,500 Palestinian students enrolled in foreign universities are stuck in Gaza, and are protesting for the reopening of the Rafah or Erez crossings. Palestine
Baghdad-Erbil deal silent on KRG's surplus oil Questions remain over what the Kurdistan Regional Government is to do with the quantity of oil it is not exporting under Baghdad’s supervision. Iraq
