Iraqis struggle to maintain architectural heritage Iraq’s historical landmarks are being destroyed and replaced by modern structures, as the government and municipalities fail to adopt measures that protect the country’s architectural heritage. Iraq
'Roller coaster' Iran talks show progress US officials expect talks may have to resume next week to conclude a political accord on an Iran nuclear deal by the end of the month. Iran
US, E3 lawmakers pen joint warning on Iran Lawmakers from the United States, France, United Kingdom and Germany warn that bad deal will result in more sanctions "without fail." Iran
Does Iran have a card to play in Bahrain? While protests in Bahrain have remained largely peaceful, does Iran have any influence among the various Bahrain opposition groups? Saudi Arabia
Kurdish women’s movement reshapes Turkish politics A Turkish Sunni woman in her early 40s rises to the top of Kurdish and oppressed people’s political movement. Syria
Ankara sidelined on Syria Ankara has hardly any influence left over events in Syria and its goal of deposing President Bashar al-Assad is no closer now than four years ago, while the persisting conflict poses ever-increasing headaches for Turkey. Syria
Was Iran MP attacked by rogue security service? The attack on an Iranian parliament member by plainclothesmen may be related to the upcoming parliamentary elections. Iran
Iraqis split over digging of security trenches While some Iraqis argue that digging trenches between cities is an effective way to stop the infiltration of militants and achieve security, others claim they only further divide the nation and promote sectarianism. Iraq
Is there hope for long-term truce between Hamas, Israel? There is talk about implementing the initiative proposed by UN special coordinator Robert Serry to impose a long-term truce between Hamas and Israel, in return of ending the Israeli siege imposed on the Gaza Strip since 2007. Palestine
Israeli Arab party poised to reshape country's politics Many Israeli Arabs believe that the unification of the Arab parties into one joint list and the momentum this move has generated will be translated into high voter turnout in the Arab sector and real change. Israel
Iran gathers power in Iraq as US further sidelined Iran has succeeded in expanding its influence in Iraq by supporting the Shiite paramilitary forces there, a move that the United States has avoided since 2003. Iraq
Europe prepares for post-election Israel Indications that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu might lose the elections have driven some 200 foreign correspondents to Israel as the European Union follows closely. Israel
Netanyahu narrows gap with Herzog Just hours before the polls open in Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu promises that if he is elected, there will be no Palestinian state, and manages to obliterate the Zionist Camp’s lead in the polls almost entirely. Israel
Signs of hope for Iran accord Negotiators expressed cautious optimism that a political accord could emerge from intensive talks underway in Lausanne, Switzerland, but US officials caution that Iran still has important decisions to make to prove its program peaceful. Iran
What next for Iraq? The Islamic State may be routed in Iraq, but the question of what is next remains unanswered. Iraq
Ancient, modern Iran clash over fire festival Iranians will take to the streets to celebrate an ancient Iranian holiday, despite warnings by officials who are uncomfortable with this pre-Islamic holiday. Iran
