Will Herzog compromise party values to join government? According to his own statements, his openness to the establishment of a Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders threatens to prevent Zionist Camp leader Isaac Herzog from joining a Likud-led government after the elections. Palestine
Saudi Arabia prepares for Iran nuclear deal Saudi Arabia has been pulling out the diplomatic stops in an effort to contain Iran in anticipation of what it sees as an unfavorable nuclear deal between the West and the Islamic republic. Saudi Arabia
Obama administration: US 'will protect' Syrian rebel forces John Allen, US special presidential envoy for the Global Coalition to Counter ISIL, suggests a deeper US military commitment in Syria; Turkey’s "precious loneliness"; Egypt closes 27,000 places of worship to counter militancy and extremism; Al-Monitor’s series on Women in the Middle East continues. Egypt
Why did Lebanon's security initiative fail? Lebanon's former director-general of General Security told Al-Monitor that his initiative to free the abducted Lebanese soldiers and to drive the Islamic State from Lebanon was welcomed by Syria but rejected by the United States and Lebanon. Lebanon
Conservative Gaza stifles female talent Many talented female singers gave up on their dream of professional singing because of the conservative society in Gaza and Hamas’ clampdown on female performers, whom they deem indecent. Palestine
Turkish Twitter user: Erdogan to target CHP-linked bank Fuat Avni, the handle of an anonymous Twitter user who has successfully revealed President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s moves in the past, just issued another explosive prediction. Turkey
Senate seeks to unblock path for war on Islamic State A look at the Middle East issues Congress will address the week of March 9. Iraq
Is the Oslo process really over? The Palestinian Central Council announced the end of security cooperation with Israel, though many are skeptical that the decision will be implemented. Palestine
Hamas reacts to potential Egyptian attack Hamas is discussing steps it could take if Egypt decides to attack the Gaza Strip, as hinted by the Egyptian army, following the country's decision to declare Hamas a terrorist organization. Palestine
Egyptian workers endangered in Libya Poor Egyptian workers in Libya have been threatened and killed by Islamic militias, while Egypt has announced its official support for the Libyan army against the terrorists. Egypt
Sibel Utku Bila on why she writes Al-Monitor contributor Sibel Utku Bila shares her thoughts on journalism. Turkey
300 days at the Tomb of Suleiman Shah Speaking with Al-Monitor, Turkish special forces officers share their experiences, observations and insights into Islamic State activities near the Tomb of Suleiman Shah and the origins of the Turkish government's decision to evacuate its soldiers. Syria
Arab women's new face in the Knesset In an interview with Al-Monitor, Aida Touma-Sliman, social activist and soon to be Knesset member, explains her long-standing political career in the Arab sector, battling violence against women and promoting coexistence. Israel
Hezbollah-Hariri at stalemate The dialogue between Hezbollah and Future Movement leader Saad Hariri does not seem to be getting anywhere, as security and political issues such as the resistance’s weapons and the presidential vacuum remain unresolved. Lebanon
Ultra-Orthodox woman fights for representation in Knesset Ruth Colian managed to gather the needed resources to establish an ultra-Orthodox women's party that ran for a seat in the Knesset on March 17, but the ultra-Orthodox establishment keeps setting up obstacles. Israel
Battle for Tikrit highlights challenges of war on IS While the Iraqi army has made some progress on the ground in its battle to liberate Tikrit from Islamic State (IS) forces, the war against IS will not be fully resolved until all concerned parties come together with a unified strategic plan. Iraq
