Eyeing political gains, Kurds and Syriacs aim to mend old wounds At the grass-roots level, the alliance between Kurds and the Syriac community has led to bitter divisions. Turkey
Islamic Jihad takes mediator role between Hamas, Fatah Islamic Jihad is considering joining a Hamas-led administrative committee in Gaza, as it breaks its silence in a bid to resolve the Hamas-Fatah feud that's crippling the Gaza Strip. Palestine
Palestinian political unity welcomed for Israeli elections Palestinians in the occupied territories welcomed the decision by their brethren in Israel to form a joint list for the March elections. Palestine
Why Erdogan’s media sees British conspiracy in Somalia The delusional, conspiratorial narrative in Turkey’s pro-AKP media raises questions about the capacity of the ruling elites of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's "New Turkey" to understand the world as it really is. Turkey
An Israeli in King Arthur's court Medieval re-enactments are catching on in Israel, including battles between knights and an annual event at the Horns of Hattin. Israel
Iraqi state education increasingly religious The state curriculum in Iraq has long been subject to sectarian, political and religious pressure, but education quality is suffering now more than ever. Iraq
After Qaboos, who will be Oman's next sultan? Now that Saudi Arabia has seen its succession through, attention has moved to who will succeed Oman's Sultan Qaboos, who has been in Munich since the summer for unspecified health reasons. Saudi Arabia
Why did Iran, Morocco resume relations? Economics, Iran's desire for greater international standing, the Islamic State and Western Sahara may be factors in Iran naming an ambassador to Morocco after a nearly six-year break in ties. Gulf
Could Israel’s strike on Hezbollah in Syria spark Iran nuclear talks? The latest Israel-Hezbollah confrontation might be a catalyst for a nuclear deal between the P5+1 and Iran; Iran can ease Saudi Arabia’s security predicament; Netanyahu sees electoral gain in snubbing Obama. Saudi Arabia
Diyarbakir Kurds rally to show support for Prophet Muhammad About 50,000 people took to the streets of the predominantly Kurdish city of Diyarbakir on Jan. 24, in support of the Prophet Muhammad in the biggest rally in Turkey since the Charlie Hebdo attacks. Turkey
Finally, Senate action on Iran sanctions? A look at the Middle East issues Congress will be addressing the week of Jan. 26 Iran
Islamic State lists conditions to free Lebanese soldiers An anonymous Lebanese government source informed Al-Monitor that negotiations between Islamic State and Jabhat al-Nusra militants and the Lebanese government are reaping results, though with conditions. Lebanon
Iraq, Turkey strengthen energy relationship The bilateral relationship between Iraq and Turkey is strengthening following recent meetings in which an increased collaboration on oil, natural gas and electric energy production and export was discussed. Iraq
Erdogan stirred, not shaken, by corruption vote AKP mavericks who voted against the party line to impeach four former ministers are facing accusations of treachery and will most likely be weeded out of the party before June elections. Turkey
Europe determined to prevent Israeli settlement policy While the Obama administration is reluctant to finalize its peace negotiations policy before Israeli elections, the European Union has already elaborated punitive measures in response to any future Israeli settlements. Israel
Obama snubs, Netanyahu scores Despite the damage to his relations with President Barack Obama, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's coming congressional address is expected to strengthen his status within his Israeli right-wing electoral base. Israel
