Turkey, Iran at war over trucking A 1994 transportation accord has fueled Turkish-Iranian rivalry for economic and political influence in Central Asia. Iraq
Iran VP confident oil prices will average $80 While some Iranians are concerned about Saudi Arabia intentionally causing the drop in oil prices to hurt Iran, the administration believes the price of oil will recover. Saudi Arabia
'Anyone but Bibi' is not a diplomatic initiative Tzipi Livni's past support for right-wing positions on reaching an agreement with the Palestinians requires that she and Isaac Herzog of Labor reveal a genuine plan for renewing talks. Palestine
Israel must address growing humanitarian crisis in Gaza The Israeli leadership must realize that the humanitarian crisis in Gaza increases every day, and react appropriately despite the upcoming elections that might delay a solution by almost half a year. Palestine
Meshaal's visit to Turkey catches media off guard Senior Turkish bureaucrats say Hamas is welcome in Turkey, but its activities are strictly monitored. Palestine
Gulen’s shadow hangs over Erdogan Erdogan may have declared victory over the Gulen group, after a warrant was issued for the arrest of Fethullah Gulen, but his headache with this group will not end. Turkey
Iran's Christians celebrate Christmas Many of Iran's Christians celebrate Christmas on Jan. 6, but the holiday is becoming popular across Iran and many Christians are celebrating on Dec. 25, with some young Iranians joining in. Iran
Influential cleric urges reforms in Iran's Assembly of Experts In an exclusive interview, Al-Monitor spoke with Ayatollah Asadollah Bayat-Zanjani, an Iranian marja in the city of Qom. Iran
Saudi royal priorities A recent budget report shows challenges ahead for the Saudi economy in 2015. Saudi Arabia
Muslims join Christians for Christmas celebrations in Gaza More Muslims in Gaza are buying Christmas trees and joining in Christmas festivities as an occasion to solidify unity and forget the recent war with Israel. Palestine
Iraqi Shiite pilgrimage takes political turn As the pilgrimage of Arbaeen in Iraq grows in strength, so do its political dimensions. Iraq
Kurds seek to fast-track peace process To prevent things from getting out of hand in Turkey's peace process, both the government and the Kurds need to be acutely aware that they have much to lose from a total collapse of the talks. Turkey
Outrage as Palestinian soccer team cancels friendly with Iran The Palestinian soccer team canceled a friendly match with Iran, sparking online outrage that it was at the instigation of Iran's competitors. Gulf
Livni, Herzog fear the collapse of Liberman's party Potential allies of Avigdor Liberman, such as Isaac Herzog, Tzipi Livni and Moshe Kahlon, might rethink their political attitude toward him, following corruption suspicions against some of his party members. Israel
Hezbollah, Future Movement eye presidency Hezbollah and the Future Movement have begun a dialogue on filling Lebanon's presidency, offering some reason for hope. Saudi Arabia
To beat unemployment, young Gazans turn to birds In light of the repeated Israeli assaults on the Gaza Strip that have destroyed the local economy, some young Palestinians are breeding canaries to overcome poverty and unemployment. Palestine
