Palestinian factions maintain fragile stability in Sidon camp Although Salafist fugitives have found refuge in Ain al-Hilweh, competing Palestinian factions appear intent on maintaining stability in the refugee camp. Lebanon
Qatar’s UN ambassador looks to break barriers H.E. Sheikha Alya Bint Ahmed Bin Saif Al Thani knows how to shake up the status quo but argues that gradual change is the most effective way to advance women in the region. Qatar
US, EU battle Netanyahu for public's trust on Iran Israeli leader sees Congress as crucial backstop against "bad deal." Israel
IRGC: Naval exercise also 'media-psychological' operation The head of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps public relations has said that Iran's publicized naval exercises were meant to prepare for threats from countries beyond the region and praised the media coverage of them. Iran
Women's roles in Hamas slowly evolve The Hamas movement is keen to encourage women’s participation in military and social life, depending on women to mobilize support. Palestine
Life in Gaza gives Palestinian satirists plenty of material Gazans have embraced satirical videos and publications that reflect the Gaza Strip's economic, social and political crises. Palestine
Iranians challenge media ban on Khatami Iranians have challenged the media ban on a former president, which received unusually high attention because of his sister's death. Iran
Grandmothers bear the brunt of Syrian orphan crisis Fractured families and orphaned children mean that Syrian grandmothers are now playing the role of parents. Jordan
Hamas denies abuse, detainment of Fatah leaders Several Fatah leaders told Al-Monitor that the Hamas-affiliated security apparatuses in Gaza arrested them and violated their basic human rights, which Hamas rushed to deny. Palestine
Egypt’s terrorism law whittles down opposition Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi issued a new decision regarding Egypt’s anti-terrorism law, running the risk of labeling most opposition groups and human rights organizations as terrorist entities. Egypt
Turkey is becoming more secular, not less In a new book, Volkan Erit argues that despite an increasingly Islamist government, Turkish society is actually becoming less strident in its religious tastes. Turkey
Asmaa al-Ghoul on why she writes Al-Monitor contributor Asmaa al-Ghoul shares her thoughts on journalism. Palestine
Lapid soars in Israel's pre-election polls With the spirit of the 2011 social justice protests still alive, Yesh Atid head Yair Lapid succeeds in overcoming the negative image of his performance as finance minister, and gathers momentum ahead of the elections. Israel
Jordanian jeweler flashes into international spotlight In an interview with Al-Monitor, Jordanian jewelry artist Lama Hourani opens up about her childhood and her path toward designing world-inspired pieces. Jordan
What is Obama's secret weapon against Bibi? It’s hard to understand why President Barack Obama doesn’t translate the criticism of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s congressional speech into action, such as hinting at a change in his position on the Israeli nuclear program. Israel
Florence Massena on why she writes Al-Monitor contributor Florence Massena shares her thoughts on journalism. Lebanon
