Why didn’t Netanyahu attack Iran? This week it was disclosed that there was a serious disagreement between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the heads of the security apparatus in 2010, when Netanyahu considered attacking Iran. Israel
What's next for Turkey? With the Justice and Development Party losing its parliamentary majority in the general elections, a viable coalition is now unlikely and all signs point to a political crisis. Turkey
Egyptian prisoner renounces his nationality to escape sentence Prisoner Mohammed Sultan renounced his Egyptian nationality to escape a jail sentence, which stirred many questions about the law on the extradition of prisoners. Egypt
Eastern patriarchs meet in Damascus The Eastern patriarchs met in Damascus on June 8 to discuss the Christians’ situation in the region, following coordinating efforts between Lebanese Maronite Patriarch Bechara al-Rai and the Vatican, and Greek Orthodox Patriarch John X Yazigi and Moscow. Lebanon
Catwalk becomes catfight on Turkish TV A fashion-themed reality show, marked by shouting matches between contestants and jury members, has broken rating records in Turkey. Turkey
Islamic State releases first Turkish publication Pro-Islamic State groups ramp up their propaganda in Turkey and issue their first online periodical. Turkey
Israel's Gaza disengagement legacy Israel's disengagement from Gaza should not be perceived as a disaster but as a first step amid many more that guarantee Israel's Jewish majority. Israel
Radical Islamists add to Hamas' burden On top of its many other security and political challenges, Hamas is also dealing with the radical Islamist elements in Gaza that are firing rockets at Israel while Hamas struggles to maintain a cease-fire agreement. Palestine
IS growing in numbers, money The Islamic State is gaining in influence while those opposing it search in vain for ways to counter the extremist organization. Saudi Arabia
Defense bill could keep sanctions pressure on Iran A look at the Middle East issues Congress will be addressing the week of June 8. Qatar
Will voters reject Turkey’s ‘precious loneliness’? Parliamentary elections on June 7 could signal a shift in Turkey’s foreign policy; Islamic State’s radicalization campaign extends to Iraqi Kurdistan; Iran not backing down in Syria; Soleimani promises "surprise" in battle against Islamic State. Iraq
Senate prepares to review Iran nuclear deal The Senate Foreign Relations Committee has started holding classified briefings to prepare members to review the terms of a prospective Iran nuclear deal next month. Iran
How do we solve Iran talks' verification dilemma? The issue of inspections of Iranian military facilities and the interrogation of Iranian scientists has quickly become the most controversial aspect of the nuclear negotiations in Iran. Congress
Hezbollah's media machine changes gears The media has always been a focus for Hezbollah, but the group has recently changed its message. Lebanon
Is new ambassador sign of thaw in Baghdad-Riyadh relations? Saudi Arabia restores diplomatic relations with Iraq by appointing an ambassador to Baghdad, but the kingdom will need to recognize the diversity of the Shiite political actors in Iraq and shift its foreign policy accordingly. Saudi Arabia
Will elections bring end of 'Erdogan era'? The rising fortunes of the pro-Kurdish Peoples' Democratic Party may mean the beginning of the end of the "Erdogan era." Turkey
