Netanyahu caves, hands Elkin Jerusalem portfolio After assigning the Strategic Affairs portfolio to Gilad Erdan, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu compensated Immigration and Absorption Minister Zeev Elkin by handing him the delicate Ministry of Jerusalem Affairs. Israel
Center trains Ethiopian-Israelis for high-tech careers A technology training center for Ethiopian-Israelis trains dozens of students every year for high-tech professions, but many graduates feel disappointed in a state that still sees them as manual laborers. Israel
Netanyahu zigzags on two-state solution Throughout his political career, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has battled the 1993 Oslo Accord, backed it, objected to the two-state solution and then supported it again. Palestine
What's behind Taliban's trip to Tehran? A visit to Tehran by a Taliban delegation has sparked wild speculation, especially since administration officials were unable to confirm the event. Iran
Lebanon hopes for return of kidnapped soldiers As Lebanese media outlets report a deal with Jabhat al-Nusra for the release of 16 Lebanese soldiers kidnapped during the battle of Arsal in August, questions remain about support for the terrorist organization in Lebanese territory. Lebanon
No promises in Netanyahu's offer to negotiate settlement annexation The Israeli prime minister’s overtures to discuss settlements to be annexed to Israel under a peace agreement is an effort to legitimize the settlements in the guise of a concession without making any commitments to the Palestinians. Palestine
Egypt’s disabled seek fair representation in parliament In accordance with the 2014 constitution, the disabled in Egypt are granted representation in parliament, which the Egyptian movement to empower people with disabilities is seeking to achieve through its We love Egypt list. Egypt
Hamas struggling with emerging Islamist parties Hamas has allowed some Salafist organizations to openly carry out their activities while trying to shut down others. Palestine
Shiites reel from attack in Saudi province Saudi authorities need to curb hate speech against Shiites and take positive action to help its Shiite community, as well. Saudi Arabia
EU envoys: Iran talks may go beyond June 30 deadline European diplomats said May 26 that progress was slow in drafting a final Iran nuclear accord and predicted talks would go down to the June 30 deadline or beyond. Iran
Israel's realpolitik embraces regional extremes Israeli President Reuven Rivlin warmly eulogized the late Saudi King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz, perpetuating Israel's approach to its neighbors that is based on common interest and alliances, not moral standards. Saudi Arabia
Morsi death sentence fuels media controversy The death sentence against ousted Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi has sparked a fresh controversy in Turkey, stoking government pressure on already muzzled media outlets. Egypt
Erdogan’s presidential dreams hang by thread With less than a fortnight left to go before the June 7 legislative polls, polls show that the Justice and Development Party's share of the vote will slip from the record 49% that it received in 2011. Turkey
Is Turkey arming radical groups in Syria? A trial of gendarmerie officers and prosecutors in Istanbul is producing embarrassing revelations for the government. Syria
Has Iran already accepted inspections at military sites? Some parliament members claim that Iran has already accepted inspections at its military sites, despite denials by Iran's nuclear negotiators. Iran
Death sentences test fragile Hamas-Egypt ties The Egyptian court’s death sentence ruling against ousted Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi, along with some Muslim Brotherhood leaders and Hamas members, has destabilized already fragile relations between Hamas and Cairo. Palestine
