Erdogan, inadvertently, brings humor to Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s comically dressed warriors help Turks regain their sense of humor. Turkey
Lebanese await outcome of prisoner swap deal Lebanon has witnessed three interrelated security developments in the past few days that will prove decisive in the prisoner swap deal between the Lebanese government and Jabhat al-Nusra. Lebanon
Iran MP attacked during speech Ali Motahhari's speech on the parliament floor was cut short by his fellow parliament members after he made statements in support of ending the house arrest of the Green Movement leaders. Originals
Are Israel, Jabhat al-Nusra coordinating on attacks in Syria? Syrian opposition activists in southern Syria say Israel has played a vital role in Jabhat al-Nusra’s recent gains in Quneitra and Daraa. Israel
Egypt’s cybersecurity council prompts privacy concerns Egypt has launched a new cybersecurity division to protect its ministries and institutions from cyberattacks, but some political groups and activists are concerned it might also be used to curtail speech and monitor their online activities. Egypt
Israeli political youth movements hope for revival In contrast with veteran Israeli political parties, HaBayit HaYehudi and Yesh Atid devote considerable efforts to building their youth movements, thus cementing a strong electoral base for the future. Israel
Action needed to reform Iranian banks Poor economic conditions have led to a crisis of non-performing loans for Iranian banks. Iran
Ya'alon: Abbas barely controls Jenin In an interview with Al-Monitor, Israeli Defense Minister Moshe Ya'alon argued that the Gaza war last summer prevented a Hamas takeover of the West Bank: "Mahmoud Abbas does not control Gaza, he barely controls Jenin." Palestine
Kobani hospitals overflow as battle continues Makeshift hospitals are being set up in basements and schools across Kobani to treat fighters and civilians while armed groups have targeted the city’s main hospitals. Iraq
Has the Islamic State's defeat already begun? In the war against the Islamic State, the key issue is how to translate recent optimism on the strategic picture into tactical achievements on the ground. Iraq
Are there any prospects for Moscow-Libya cooperation? Russian officials are taking a wait-and-see attitude to developments in Libya. Libya
Jabhat al-Nusra tank commander sees little alternative to group While Aleppo is not entirely under the control of Jabhat al-Nusra, the group has a strong presence in many of the city's neighborhoods and is currently fighting to take hold of villages north of Aleppo province, where they are facing Lebanese Hezbollah troops that are fighting alongside the Syrian regime. Syria
Is Egypt verdict a victory for LGBT rights? An Egyptian court shocked many by acquitting 26 men accused of indecency and debauchery in a high-profile case made infamous by a journalist widely regarded as unethical. Egypt
Hamas, Fatah bicker over Gaza crossings The Palestinian government says that Hamas is delaying the handover of the Gaza crossings, while Hamas insists on a partnership to manage the transition. Palestine
Closing Jewish tomb in Egypt raises tensions Egypt’s closure of the tomb of Rabbi Abu Hasira and the cancelation of the annual festival celebrating his birth in the Nile Delta have angered Jewish pilgrims and tourists, inciting Tel Aviv to take the matter to UNESCO. Egypt
Turkey cannot secure Syrian border alone Turkish officials say Turkey is doing its best to prevent crossings into and out of Syria by Islamic militants, blaming European countries for not furnishing useful intelligence. Syria
