Journalists still a target in Gaza Wars and attacks often take the lives of Gazan journalists doing their job in the field. Palestine
Palestine’s lingering water crisis Water resources in Palestine are threatened, and in the absence of an outline for a tangible agreement with Israel, the future does not look promising. Palestine
PLO not buying Netanyahu’s ‘peace’ offerings The Palestine Liberation Organization has dismissed Israel's release of withheld tax monies as public relations maneuvering while also documenting ongoing Israeli occupation activities and destruction of Palestinian property and land. Palestine
Turkish-Armenian conflict rears its head in Lebanon Lebanon has been invited to the Armenian Genocide Centennial in Yerevan, as well as to the commemoration of the Battle of Gallipoli in Ankara, which will both be held on the same day, thus raising questions about Lebanon’s stance regarding the 1915 Armenian massacres. Lebanon
Rafah in dire need of central hospital Activists have begun a campaign calling for construction of a bigger hospital in Gaza's Rafah, where the only hospital has been unable to meet the needs of the residents in times of peace and war. Palestine
Two issues remain in push for Iran deal The last round of talks between the P5+1 and Iran are focusing on two sticking points as the deadline approaches. Congress
Will Russia disrupt Iran nuclear talks? Russia could choose to escalate its relationship with the United States and Europe by interfering in the Iran nuclear negotiations. Russia
Yemen's Saleh proves to be a survivor Former Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh has been central to the Houthis' success in Yemen and may determine the country's future. Saudi Arabia
Iran nuclear talks intensify Iran nuclear talks intensify as foreign ministers arrive; a possible accord to emerge this week may be a brief statement followed by further drafting. Iran
Al-Monitor highlights diversity of Islamic feminism Al-Monitor’s monthlong series on women concludes; Lebanese foreign minister appeals to UN Security Council for protection of Christians; members of Congress seek "formal dialogue" on future of Turkish democracy; the fault lines in Aleppo; have Israeli elections sparked long-stalled Palestinian reconciliation?; Ali Hashem profiles self-proclaimed Islamic State Caliph Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. Iraq
Lebanese foreign minister: UN needs to show its political will In an interview with Al-Monitor, Lebanese Minister of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants Gebran Bassil asked for the international community to stop the flight of Christians and minorities from the region. Lebanon
Time for decisions on Iran deal The US and Iran signaled negotiations to reach a political agreement for an Iran nuclear deal are likely to go down to the wire March 31. Congress
Iran MP calls for postponing Erdogan’s Tehran trip Iranian officials have called for the postponement of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's April trip to Tehran based on his comments that Iran is trying to "dominate" the region. Turkey
Congress concerned over Turkey's drift from democracy Lawmakers have asked the State Department to beef up its support for civil society in Turkey to encourage democratic governance. Turkey
Gallipoli centenary marks another snub for Turkish minorities Hundreds of non-Muslim soldiers killed in the Gallipoli campaign 100 years ago were ignored in elaborate centenary observances. Turkey
Riyadh's war on Yemen stokes Saudi nationalism Saudi Arabia's war on Houthis in Yemen is key to rallying the domestic Saudi populace after the regime's repeated failures to obtain a victory over Iran. Saudi Arabia
