Kurds push for delay of Mosul attack Some in Congress share concerns that Sunnis aren't ready to take on the Islamic State. Iraq
Why did Israel decide to support Syrian rebels? After four years of fighting in Syria, Israel no longer seems neutral, and though the Israeli security establishment won't discuss it with the public, signs actually indicate that Israel has chosen to support the Sunni rebels. Israel
Does Rafsanjani want to chair the Assembly of Experts? It's still unclear whether Ayatollah Hashemi Rafsanjani will run for the chairmanship of Iran's Assembly of Experts, which supervises and elects the supreme leader. Iran
Iran 'bound' to complete talks by March 31 Iranian media outlets believe that progress was made in the nuclear talks and that the nuclear talks are reaching a conclusion. Iran
Turkey’s 'strategic depth' in Syria The controversy around Turkish military intrusion into Syria to remove the alleged sanctuary of Suleiman Shah continues. Syria
Does Assad meeting signal a shift in France's policy? A secret visit by French parliamentarians to Damascus is raising questions about a possible major shift in France's Syria policy. Syria
Why doesn't Turkey speak up on Iran nuclear issue? While so many are focused on the Iran nuclear talks, Turks have remained surprisingly quiet on a major issue unfolding just next door. Turkey
Qatar rejects Egypt’s war on terrorism The Egyptian request to carry out, under international cover, airstrikes against Islamic State strongholds in Libya was rejected by Qatar, which reveals the emergence of new alliances in the Middle East. Qatar
Female journalists excel in Gaza's sports media Despite societal barriers, more women journalists in Gaza are covering sports, but their numbers are still low relative to men. Palestine
AIPAC objects to Netanyahu's Congress address Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's speech to Congress might be his last major card to play before the March 17 elections, which is why he is determined to deliver it despite objections at home and by AIPAC. Israel
Are Egypt's women really better off under Sisi? Life for women in Egypt has improved significantly under the reign of President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi compared to the era of the Muslim Brotherhood, although some female activists say that women still have a long way to go toward emancipation. Egypt
America’s neglected asset in fight for Mosul The Pentagon recently declared its 2015 plan to liberate Mosul from the Islamic State, an operation that may be effective only if the resistance groups already operating in Mosul are involved. Iraq
Sinai residents feel betrayed by Egyptian media The Egyptian media has been accused of trivializing the situation in Sinai, which either castigates or ignores residents while they are being beheaded by Islamic extremists for cooperating with the army in its anti-terrorism campaign against them. Egypt
Netanyahu focuses on Iran, neglects housing crisis Benjamin Netanyahu has been prime minister since 2009 — enough time to set policy and determine priorities — but the state comptroller's recent report reveals that he has failed in addressing the housing crisis. Israel
One man's return to Gaza In an interview with Al-Monitor, the journalist Majdi Arbid, who fled Gaza eight years ago, tells of the dire situation he encountered when he returned. Palestine
Is Congress backing Sisi's battle against Islamists? Lawmakers declined to grill Secretary of State John Kerry on military assistance to Egypt. Egypt
