Traditional Jewish stew warms Israeli winter Hamin, a traditional Shabbat stew, was once a staple of older generations, but this year, it has become immensely popular among young Israelis and in fashionable restaurants. Israel
Al-Qaeda challenges Islamic State with Paris attack Al-Qaeda's deadly terror attack in Paris may have been an attempt to restate its relevance and effectiveness in its global jihadist struggle with the Islamic State. Near East
Lebanon’s economic outlook for 2015 The economic situation in Lebanon does not bode well for the coming year, but hope remains if governing political forces move away from the region's conflicts. Lebanon
Hamas leaders prefer Turkish exile to Gaza hardships Following Qatar's ousting of Hamas' political bureau from the emirate, the group is in search of a new home. Qatar
Who are the Kharijites and what do they have to do with IS? Many Islamic authorities, including Saudi Mufti Sheikh Abdul Aziz Al ash-Sheikh, consider the Islamic State to be an extension of the Kharijites, a group of the first Muslims who rebelled against authority during the early Islamic centuries. Saudi Arabia
Israelis wonder how Europe will change after Paris attack Many Israelis think that the terror attack in Paris could be a watershed moment, when the Europeans have to change their human rights approach in the face of fighting radical Islamic terrorism. Palestine
Paris attack rekindles debate over freedom of expression US officials' united show of support for slain journalists hides bipartisan ambivalence over Western governments' role in standing up for unpopular speech. Congress
Iraqi female nurses struggle for equality Women in the health industry are looked down upon by Iraq's conservative society, but the need for nurses and for women to be employed are slowly liberalizing attitudes. Iraq
Turkey's threatened sea turtles An AKP-affiliated developer's privatization attempts on a beach preserved for endangered sea turtles has turned Dalyan’s residents into environmental activists. Turkey
Palestinian officials give contradictory media statements Senior Palestinian official Jibril Rajoub contradicted his colleague Saeb Erekat’s statements earlier in the week that the Palestinian Authority could be dissolved, raising questions over the PA’s communication strategy. Palestine
Sephardic party turns to Ashkenazi leaders for help In his bitter fight with former Sephardic Shas Party head Eli Yishai, current leader Aryeh Deri doesn't shy away from asking the help of leading Ashkenazi rabbis, whose hegemony Shas rejected when founded 20 years ago. Israel
Egyptian town welcomes ban on Jewish festival Egyptians are pleased with a court decision to ban the festival celebrating the birth of Rabbi Abu Hasira because, they say, security for it turned their village into a "military barracks." Egypt
Iran condemns Paris shooting, with caveat Iran has officially condemned the attack on French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo but also warned of "double standards" in dealing with terrorism. Iran
Why US, EU should intervene in Israeli elections The United States and European Union should explain to Israeli voters what is at stake at the international level in the March elections. Palestine
Iran's new budget to focus on privatization, subsidy reforms Iran's economic outlook remains uncertain amid fluctuating oil prices and continuing nuclear negotiations, while officials are looking to create a law that would make the country’s state budgets independent of oil export revenue. Iran
Regional powers fighting proxy war in Libya The world’s major powers are doing little to stop rival regional blocs from exacerbating the violence in Libya, despite having several UN Security Council resolutions at their disposal to help them do so. Libya
