Charlie Hebdo finds support in Gaza The victims of the Charlie Hebdo attack found sympathy in Gaza, until Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu participated in the Paris unity march and the magazine published a cover with a depiction of the Prophet Muhammad. Palestine
Turkey missed its key economic targets in 2014 Turkey failed to attain most of its key economic targets last year, but was likely to receive a boost from falling oil prices in 2015. Turkey
New visa regulations confuse Syrians Syrians in Lebanon who have legal residency permits are worried that new regulations will not protect them from being deported. Lebanon
Will Davutoglu say anything new at Davos? All ears will be on Ahmet Davutoglu at the World Economic Forum, as he will be the first Turkish prime minister to address it in six years. Turkey
Moscow prepares for meeting of Syrian leaders Russia is set to proctor a meeting of Syrian opposition figures, who will then meet with representatives of the Syrian regime in an inclusive and open dialogue with no preconditions, as a step toward resuming the Geneva deliberations. Syria
Iranian civil society speaking up for Afghans' rights Iranians are pressuring the government to help Afghan nationals with the problems they face, including discrimination and lack of access to schools. Iran
Will Russia's economic decline affect its Middle East influence? Russia’s economic influence in the Middle East is bound to suffer as its economy continues to decline; but whatever happens, Moscow will retain one of its most important sources of influence — its veto power in the UN Security Council. Russia
Oppressed by China, Uighurs drawn to Salafist ideas China’s oppressive policies and the increasing influence of extreme Salafist currents are inflating radicalization among the Uighur population. Turkey
Hezbollah figure killed in Syria had ties to Soleimani Jihad Mughniyah, a Hezbollah member among those killed the recent Israeli strike in Syria, had a close relationship with Quds Force commander Qasem Soleimani. Iran
How will Hezbollah respond to Israeli strike? Speculation has arisen as to how Hezbollah will respond following the Israeli raid on its location in Syrian territory, which led to the killing of six of its members. Israel
Netanyahu makes ICC decision campaign issue While Europeans are suspending their criticisms until after the Israeli elections in fear of providing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu with political ammunition, the ICC decision to open an investigation is being used by the Israeli right to present the Europeans as enemies. Palestine
Egypt bans 'Exodus' movie Egyptian critics consider the Culture Ministry’s decision to ban the screening of the US movie "Exodus: Gods and Kings" a result of Al-Azhar pressure, and believe it will only lead distribution companies to show more such movies. Egypt
Slow progress on Iran talks In the Jan. 18 Iran nuclear talks, top officials expressed concern about making sufficient progress to meet the March 24 agreement deadline. Congress
Congress takes first step on Iran sanctions A look at the Middle East issues Congress will be addressing the week of Jan. 19. Iran
Did Nasrallah blur red line on Assad? Hezbollah’s leader says a political solution could include Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s departure “after the end of his term”; Kerry supports Russia, UN diplomacy on Syria; Who does Israel back in Syria?; Did Turkey arm Jabhat al-Nusra?; Iran’s shallow influence in Yemen. Yemen
Behind the recent turmoil in Iran’s parliament The turmoil in Iran's parliament stems from concern about the 2016 parliamentary and Assembly of Experts elections. Iran
