Turkey hopes to deter Obama from using 'G-word' For Turks, it's unimportant what the pope and European Parliament say; what's important is what Barack Obama says. By Cengiz Candar
What does Armenian diaspora want? Portrayed as a unified obstruction group by Turkey, the diverse Armenian diaspora is eager to keep communication channels open with Turkey. By Pinar Tremblay
Will Russian missile deal complicate final Iran agreement? The timing of Russian President Vladimir Putin's announcement of a missile deal with Iran raises questions on the impact this may have on the final nuclear negotiations. By Paul J. Saunders
Iraqi teachers resort to abuse of students With poor to absent government supervision and education policies, Iraq’s educational system seems to be stuck in the past. By Wassim Bassem
New Arab MK jockeys for influence on women's issues, budget Aida Tuma, one of two Arab women newly elected to the Knesset, told Al-Monitor that her bloc is striving to effect change by securing influential seats on major committees. By Daoud Kuttab In Amman, reporting on Palestinian politics
Israel-US tensions on Iran prompt Palestinian strategy Palestinians are adapting their strategy to the Iranian deal, proposing to use the same P5+1 model for negotiations on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and also an international supervision mechanism on the borders. By Uri Savir
Leaked Israeli documents prompt suspicion from Hamas A recent series of leaked documents from the Israeli government discuss changing Israel's official ruling on the Gaza war victors — but is it a blunder or a strategic move? By Adnan Abu Amer
'Ugly Israeli' goes viral A series of videos recently spreading in the media show aggressive and rude Israelis on flights, in shops and at hotels. By Yuval Avivi
Egypt discovers record-length smuggling tunnel The recent discovery of a 2.8 kilometer-long tunnel linking the Sinai to Gaza raised questions about the parties supporting digging operations, as such work requires expensive and advanced equipment, as well as an extensive labor force. By Ahmed Fouad
Turks link Armenia to US foes in bid to derail genocide nod Ankara's allies raise concerns with Yerevan's ties to Iran and Russia. By Julian Pecquet
Soleimani emerges as unifying figure for Iranians While Iran's religious and nationalist groups have been at odds over various issues since the 1979 revolution, increasing tensions with Saudi Arabia and wide adoration for Quds Force Cmdr. Qasem Soleimani have largely united the two camps. By Farahmand Alipour
Iraqi PM walks back criticism of Saudi Arabia On his first official visit to Washington, Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi showed how hard it is for his country to juggle conflicting outside powers. By Barbara Slavin
Iran defense minister: Saudi Arabia will fail in Yemen Iranian defense minister says that Saudi Arabia's military campaign in Yemen will fail and that it will prepare the collapse of the Saudi government. By Arash Karami
Aleppo's rebels brace for IS assault Syrian rebels have been going above and beyond to ready their cities in the countryside of Aleppo for a possible attack by the Islamic State. By Mohammed al-Khatieb
AKP readies diversion as genocide anniversary nears Under the Justice and Development Party, Turkey has refused to face the Armenian question and is instead working to redirect the world's attention. By Kadri Gürsel
Disabled Turks protest benefit cuts A legal amendment cutting financial support for people with disabilities has sparked a wave of protests in Turkey, with a big demonstration scheduled for May outside parliament. By Tulay Cetingulec