Israel's midsized parties create unstable coalition Ever since the late Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's decision to create the Kadima Party, Israeli politics has been suffering from an ongoing trend of big parties splitting into small and medium-sized parties, leading to dysfunctional coalitions. Israel
European Muslim groups angered by inclusion on UAE's terror list The UAE's recently published list of 85 "terrorist" organizations has prompted an outcry from the European Islamic organizations included on it. United Arab Emirates
How will Saudis adapt to low oil prices? Saudi Arabia will have to rely on its reserves and cut its projects and other aid to cope with falling oil prices, a tall task for a rentier state. Saudi Arabia
US must encourage Israeli voters to seek end to conflict While Israeli voters prepare for elections, US President Barack Obama should not echo former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's unconditional support for Israel: He should instead show voters the price of their leaders' refusal to negotiate with the Palestinians. Israel
New mooovie remembers cows that 'threatened' Israel Award-winning documentary “The Wanted 18” reveals the nonviolent ambitions of Palestinian activists in the first intifada who wanted to challenge Israel’s occupation through means of self-sufficiency and tax evasion. Palestine
Jordan sends message with arrests of MB leaders The arrest of one of the most senior Muslim Brotherhood leaders in Jordan has plunged its relations with the ruling regime into a crisis which threatens to escalate. Jordan
After attack, Israelis show support for bilingual school Around 2,000 people from across Israel — Jews and Arabs, religious and secular — marched in support of the Hand in Hand bilingual school in Jerusalem after it was tagged and set on fire by extremists. Israel
UN envoy balances rival factions in risky Libyan talks UN envoy to Libya Bernardino Leon is set to steer a new round of talks between rival factions in Libya, neither of which he reportedly considers legitimate. Libya
Abdul-Mahdi: Now real work begins for Baghdad, Erbil Although the oil deal between Baghdad and Erbil is a positive development, Turkey is sidelined by it and risks becoming a “geopolitical bystander” because of Russia's decision to cancel the South Stream gas project. Iraq
Kerry calls Iran airstrikes on Islamic State 'positive' Iran takes action against the Islamic State in Iraq; Obama administration cautious on Turkish buffer zone proposal; Turkey’s border under scrutiny; Russia’s diplomatic surge; Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Liberman says "courageous" peace plan offers "painful concessions." Israel
Congress tackles year-end efforts on Middle East issues A look at what Congress will be addressing the week of Dec. 8. Palestine
Turkey and the politics of coal The Turkish government distributed 17 million tons of free coal to the needy, which was widely seen as an election bribe. Turkey
Turkey not expected to revise Syria policy Analysts predict Ankara will continue to refuse active involvement against the Islamic State and retain its current policy until Washington spells out its plans for Syria’s future. Syria
Low turnout expected in Israeli elections The 2013 Israeli government promised reforms in education, transport, housing prices and cost of living, but the early elections set for March 17 have cut short the formulation of these reforms, disappointing large parts of the public. Israel
Iran considers ending death penalty for drug offenses Iranian judicial officials have once again stated publicly that the country's criminal prosecution and punishment of drug-related crime need to be reformed. Iran
Gaza writers receive death threats from IS A statement purporting to come from the Islamic State in Gaza listed 18 writers and poets who it says the radical group will kill if they do not cease insulting Islam in their work. Palestine
