Arab artists depict violence in their paintings Many Arab artists — Lebanese, Syrian and Iraqi — have been inserting terrorism and violence into their paintings, to show the world the suffering of the Arab peoples. Iraq
New Iran bill doesn’t mandate up-or-down vote on nuclear deal Legislation from the Senate Foreign Relations chairman would authorize — but not require — Congress to weigh in before sanctions can be lifted. Iran
PA clamps down on security amid unrest in West Bank Recent clashes in the West Bank between security officials and protesters have triggered Palestinian fears that stability will be difficult to restore. Palestine
Iran's cooperation with IAEA at risk if nuclear talks fail A breakdown in nuclear talks between Iran and the P5+1 would likely mean far fewer inspections in Iran. Iran
French visit to Damascus opens new channels for diplomacy Recent developments, including a visit by French politicians and the possible replacement of the French ambassador in Lebanon by Emannuel Bonne, who participated in the Syrian-French negotiations, indicate a probable shift in the French position. Syria
Televised debate reveals torn, divided Israel The latest TV Channel 2 election debate exposed the growing schism within Israeli society, with party leaders trading accusations and insults. Israel
Rasha Abou Jalal on why she writes Al-Monitor contributor Rasha Abou Jalal shares her thoughts on journalism. Palestine
Mona Alami on why she writes Al-Monitor contributor Mona Alami shares her thoughts on journalism. Lebanon
Egypt's Faten Hamama was more than movie star Egyptian actress Faten Hamama, who died Jan. 17, was behind the amendment of the Egyptian Personal Status Law, allowing women to file for divorces. Egypt
From 'zero problems' to zero trade Ankara’s support of the Islamist-controlled National General Congress instead of the government in Tobruk has had dire consequences for Turkish business interests in Libya. Turkey
Turkey's Kurds stand with ultranationalists after campus murder The murder of an ultranationalist college student reveals how Turkey's peace process with the Kurds and the growing Islamization of politics has impacted Turkish nationalists. Turkey
Turkish military wages war on social media Turkey's military is still struggling to come to terms with the rules of Twitter, Facebook and other social media sites. Turkey
Shooting of Fatah activist could doom security cooperation The security coordination between Israel and the Palestinian Authority is in jeopardy after Israeli soldiers shot and killed a Fatah activist in the Dheisheh refugee camp. Palestine
Despite Hamas restrictions, Gaza actresses seek stage The Hamas-led security apparatuses in Gaza limits the ability of actresses to play parts in high-profile movies as they are forced to wear the veil and avoid contact with male co-stars. Palestine
Islamic State conspiracy theories sway Iraqis Past events in US-Iraqi relations and the prevalence of conspiracy theories spread by the media as well as politicians have led Iraqis to doubt the sincerity of the US fight against the Islamic State. Iraq
With eye on Mosul, coalition advisers train peshmerga The international coalition against the Islamic State has provided weeks of training to prepare peshmerga fighters for a ground offensive to regain control of Mosul. Iraq
