Morocco’s Amazighs still feel marginalized It has been four years since the Amazigh language was officially recognized by the Moroccan Constitution, but there is still no law in place to guarantee the cultural minority’s rights. Morocco
Egyptian atheists launch web video series An Egyptian couple regularly transform their bedroom into a studio to produce an online TV program on atheism. Egypt
NATO taps Turkey to counter Russian threat Turkey recently hosted a meeting of NATO foreign ministers, who discussed efforts to transform the organization into a highly maneuverable body that can rapidly intervene in crises with the support of regional alliances. Turkey
Semolina halva unites Turks in times of joy, sorrow Semolina halva, a centuries-old dessert of the Levant, serves a social function that brings together families, friends and neighbors in Turkey. Turkey
Will US endorse French UN resolution on Palestinian statehood? In view of the composition of the new Israeli government and its policies, France could replace the United States in leading the efforts to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, by advancing a UN resolution on Palestinian statehood. Palestine
The story behind Palestine's canonized nuns The Vatican has lifted Palestinian spirits with its recognition of the state of Palestine, canonization of two Palestinian nuns and reference to President Mahmoud Abbas as an “angel of peace.” Palestine
Egypt struggles to prevent animal cruelty The torture and killing of animals by residents and security forces are widespread in Egypt, but animal rights associations have insufficient funding to spread awareness about the importance of animals and how to deal with them. Egypt
How Morsi matters in Turkish politics Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is convinced that the forces that toppled former Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi would have toppled him as well, had he not stood his ground against them. Egypt
Obama, GCC leaders forge consensus on Iran Summit statement concludes that a “comprehensive, verifiable” nuclear deal “is in the security interests” of all parties; Kerry emphasizes need for US-Russia cooperation on Syria. Gulf
Washington fetes Tunis A look at the Middle East issues Congress will be addressing the week of May 18. Tunisia
Congress sends mixed messages on toppling Assad The House passed a defense bill with contradictory guidance for assistance to the Syrian rebels. Syria
Are tribes in Sinai really unifying against terrorism? Egyptian media are rushing to claim that tribes in Sinai are fighting terrorism, but the news seems to be premature. Egypt
GCC official: Camp David 'exceeded' expectations A senior Arab official says the Gulf Cooperation Council is pleased at US assurances of a “strategic partnership” and calls on Iran to “modify its behavior” toward the region in the wake of a likely nuclear deal. Regional
Iranian dissident praises Rouhani's health care reform Dr. Mehdi Khazali, an Iranian political dissident, says that health care reform is the one place that the Hassan Rouhani administration has made improvements. Iran
Gaza writers lose out as culture becomes afterthought Difficult living conditions and lack of funding or royalties have discouraged Gaza's novelists. Palestine
Lebanon's last synagogue A small community of around 200 Jews remain in Lebanon but feel increasingly isolated. Israel
