US still considering no-fly zone for Syria Two top US officials differ about the prospects for identifying, training and equipping a new moderate Syrian force to oppose the group that calls itself the Islamic State. Syria
Iran's female MPs show mixed record Iran's female members of parliament have been few in number but have had a large impact on national policies. Iran
Two women shape Israel's politics Young female Knesset members Ayelet Shaked from HaBayit HaYehudi and Stav Shaffir from the Labor Party have both gained top spots on their respective slates, ready to reshape Israeli politics. Israel
Congress races to act on Iran after Bibi's speech The Senate is to take up a bill demanding a say on the nuclear deal next week. Iran
Iran paper sees conspiracy in Netanyahu speech While reactions have been mixed in Iranian newspapers, hard-line Kayhan believes that Netanyahu and Obama are actually deceiving the Iranian negotiators. Iran
Erdogan tests waters in Riyadh Diplomats argue that Erdogan’s Saudi Arabia visit is an attempt to regain some of the regional clout Turkey has lost in the Middle East. Saudi Arabia
10 Middle East artists to watch Many female artists in the Middle East and North Africa are redefining their mediums. Bahrain
Cyprus port deal gives Russian navy alternative to Tartus An agreement allowing the Russian navy access to ports in Cyprus sends a message to the EU and gives Moscow an alternative to its facility at Tartus, Syria. Syria
Will US-Israel rift benefit Palestinians? The Palestinians hope that the growing rift between the Obama administration and the Netanyahu government will signal to Europeans and others that the United States might be less forceful in diplomatically defending Israel. Palestine
Beirut re-brushed Despite Lebanon's political and security challenges, Beirut is witnessing an upsurge in the art scene with established and new museums exhibiting Arab artworks. Lebanon
Starbucks becomes flashpoint between Turks, Armenians Armenian-American activists are scoring major points against an angry and misinformed Turkish public. Turkey
Palestinian protests in Ramon Prison set to spread Palestinian prisoners have staged protests in Ramon Prison in Israel, and during March protests are expected to expand to other prisoners and the broader Palestinian community. Palestine
US persuaded Turkey to include Israel in NATO drills Leaked emails between the Obama administration and Turkish senior officials reflect US efforts at reconciling Israel and Turkey — when the latter objected to Israel's participation at a NATO sea drill. Israel
Unprecedented rift splits Jordan’s Muslim Brotherhood The Shura Council of Jordan’s Muslim Brotherhood has decided to revoke the membership of 10 leading members belonging to the Zamzam Initiative, a group that seeks to break ties with Egypt’s Brotherhood. Jordan
War puts Syrians on unexpected career paths Young graduates in Damascus are having a hard time securing a job in their field, thus turning to nongovernmental organizations and volunteer work. Syria
Egypt closes 27,000 places of worship The Egyptian Ministry of Religious Endowment has shuttered 27,000 local places of worship under the pretext of fighting terrorism, while awarding 400 preaching permits to Salafists. Egypt
