Hamas reaches out to Egypt Although Egypt's campaign to destroy the tunnels between Gaza and Sinai continues, Hamas, whose relations with other regional countries are even more strained, is working to restore ties with its neighbor. Palestine
Should Saudi Arabia test Iran’s offer of diplomacy on Yemen? Iranian officials offer diplomatic initiative and warnings on Yemen; book burning in Giza; Kremlin ignored Israeli objections on missile system sale to Iran; Russian "soft power" in the Middle East. Saudi Arabia
Will Iran review bill survive Senate? A look at the Middle East issues Congress will be addressing the week of April 27. Regional
Former Iran negotiator: Better ties with US impossible Former Iranian nuclear negotiator Saeed Jalili argued that the United States and Iran cannot have ties because of America's policy to "consolidate its leadership over the world." Iran
Syria's spy chiefs meet untimely deaths Ten years following the withdrawal of the Syrian army from Lebanon, many of the Syrian security officers who once ruled Beirut are now slowly disappearing within Syria. Lebanon
The Islamic State’s Baathist roots Although the presence and strength of former Baathist officers in the Islamic State is unlikely to revive pan-Arab nationalism, it has implications for a strategy to counter the Islamic State and eventually stabilize Iraq. Iraq
Gaza's employee crisis derails latest reconciliation attempt Tensions are continuing to worsen within Palestine’s consensus government over the issue of the Gaza employees, who still have not been paid. Palestine
Public outcry pushes Peres to cancel bank deal With banking system reform in the offing, the lobbying contract of former President Shimon Peres with Bank Hapoalim delivered a serious blow to his image. Israel
'Unnatural' porn becomes ticket to jail in Turkey The Constitutional Court’s decision to ban pornography featuring “unnatural sexual behavior” has confounded Turkey and provoked average people to speak out about sex. Turkey
Turkish pilgrims to Jerusalem face backlash Turkey’s Department of Religious Affairs elicited protests from an unexpected quarter when it added Jerusalem to its Umrah pilgrimage. Palestine
Beirut's little Armenia keeps tradition alive People of Armenian descent living in Lebanon strive to preserve their culture, working in traditional sectors and passing down their heritage to the younger generations. Lebanon
UNESCO resolutions raise Palestinian hopes New UNESCO resolutions raises Palestinian hopes for more effective thwarting of Israeli violations of Palestinian land through illegal settlements and violation of historic sites. Palestine
Iraq maintains neutrality in regional conflicts On a visit to Washington, Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi leveled criticism at Iran and Saudi Arabia, reflecting his desire to maintain a neutral position in their regional rivalry. Gulf
Egyptian businessmen rattled by new regulations The Egyptian government has upset the local business community with the issuance of regulations for laws imposing a 10% tax on stock market profits and restricting dollar deposits. Egypt
MEK leader to testify before Congress Maryam Rajavi will discuss the threat the Islamic State poses to members of the Mujahedeen-e-Khalq (MEK) at Camp Liberty. Iraq
Ultra-Orthodox oppose conscription, not the IDF Despite the wide ultra-Orthodox objection to their conscription into military service, attitudes vary within the sector, ranging from total rejection to support and appreciation for the IDF. Israel
