Rafsanjani: Saudi-Iran cooperation can fix regional issues Ayatollah Hashemi Rafsanjani has said that cooperation between Iran and Saudi Arabia can resolve some issues, but conceded that there are still many differences at the moment. Saudi Arabia
Turkish military mission becomes media circus Turkey's ruling Justice and Development Party framed its cross-border mission to evacuate the Tomb of Suleiman Shah as a victory for the nation, but political opposition and social media commenters saw much to mock about the operation. Syria
Was Hezbollah's Mughniyeh an unintended target? A security source from Beirut tells Al-Monitor how the perpetrators of the 2008 assassination of Hezbollah's military commander might not have known they were targeting the elusive Imad Mughniyeh. Palestine
Turkey’s 'Rocker Imam' inspires Turks Turkey’s "Rocker Imam" Ahmet Muhsin Tuzer, who combines Sufi lyrics with guitar solos, signals the niche in Turkish society for a more modern and cosmopolitan feeling of Islam. Turkey
Why scandals are good for Netanyahu Despite the growing economic crisis and the diplomatic stalemate, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has so far managed to focus the electoral agenda on himself and on the Iran issue. Israel
Netanyahu has no 'smoking gun' on Iran With his speech to Congress, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hopes to breathe new life into the "Iranian existential threat" to improve his chances of being re-elected as the one person who can stop the Iranians. Israel
Academics call on Israel to 'choose Europe' A new document by Israeli experts on the European Union calls upon Israel's next government not to distance itself from Europe, but to seek special relations with the world's largest commercial bloc. Israel
Bogus university graduates clog Iraqi job market Iraqi university graduates are finding it increasingly difficult to get jobs because unrecognized universities are essentially selling advanced degrees. Iraq
Drug use creeps up in Lebanese schools Despite warnings circulating online about a new drug quickly spreading in Lebanese schools, experts say that while the issue deserves attention, drug abuse among students is not as widespread as the rumors suggest. Lebanon
Turkish army enters Syria to evacuate tomb The Turkish army successfully evacuated its soldiers from the Tomb of Suleiman Shah in Syria in coordination with Kurdish forces on the ground. Syria
Can returned extremist fighters be rehabilitated? Participants in a White House summit on countering violent extremism say the most useful aspect was exchanging information on the sidelines of the meetings about how to prevent recruitment of vulnerable youth and rehabilitate foreign fighters returning home from Syria and Iraq. Syria
Should US back UN plan for cease-fire in Aleppo? UN Syria envoy says that "assurances will not be enough" to end fighting; Turkey’s border a "strategic problem" in anti-Islamic State campaign. Syria
Kerry says deal not imminent as Iran, US energy chiefs join talks Iran atomic energy chief Ali Akbar Salehi and US Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz joined Iran nuclear negotiations in Geneva, but US Secretary of State John Kerry tamped down expectations that a deal could be imminent. Iran
Would Iran deal set new nuclear proliferation standard? The nuclear negotiations have entered a critical stage with Iran, which for years has defended its Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) rights, committed to the NPT by providing unprecedented transparency of its nuclear program. Iran
Lawmakers prep defense bill, Kerry defends budget A look at the Middle East issues Congress will be addressing the week of Feb. 23. Qatar
Turkey's perilous security package The Turkish government’s internal security package threatens both the Kurdish settlement process and social peace. Turkey
