Druze caught up in 'game of nations' The Syrian Druze, staunch allies of the Assad regime, face an existential threat from opposition forces, which is why Druze leaders in neighboring countries have been calling for arming them and for better relations with the Sunni community. Israel
Turkish exports plunge Turkish businesspeople have long advocated a cheap currency as a means to boost exports, but despite the plummeting Turkish lira, a combination of external factors have led to an alarming decrease in exports. Turkey
Hamas takes hit after latest PA crackdown A widespread security campaign by the Palestinian Authority has been targeting Hamas members in the West Bank, arresting hundreds and refusing to reveal the reasons behind these measures. Palestine
PKK, Turkey squabble over same dam issue Turkey's extensive dam construction projects are threatened with attacks by the Kurdistan Workers Party, which sees the projects as destructive and only serving military objectives. Turkey
A year later, Gazans face war losses, attempt to move on Sadness and feelings of loneliness and great loss are sweeping across the Gaza Strip, where people still mourn the loss of their loved ones. Palestine
Is IAEA capable of monitoring Iran nuclear program? Technological advances and lessons learned from previous clandestine nuclear programs provide confidence that Iran cannot violate the terms of a new nuclear agreement. Iran
With Iran threat off table, Israel should resolve Palestinian issue The nuclear deal with Iran actually offers Israel new opportunities, by pushing aside the ongoing focus on the nuclear threat and concentrating on resolving the conflict with the Palestinians. Palestine
Is Turkey on brink of more violence? Increasingly militarized conflict between the Turkish state and the PKK has brought Turkey to the brink of a new spiral of violence. Syria
As companies rush to Iran, Turkey slow to wake up to opportunity As Western companies have already set up camp in Tehran, Turkey’s business circles are waiting and hoping, but political tensions with Iran do not bode well for openings to Turkey. Turkey
Ultra-Orthodox Knesset members shy away from minister title For many years, Israel's ultra-Orthodox politicians preferred to be nominated deputy ministers and not ministers, shrugging off official responsibility for a Jewish state run differently than their understanding of Jewish-religious rules. Israel
Iraqi writer brings Persian literature to Arab world Ghassan Hamdan bridges the Iranian-Arab divide with his translations of Persian literature into Arabic. Egypt
Senate hits the brakes on Tunisia aid boost President Barack Obama wants to almost double assistance to Tunisia, but Congress is split. Tunisia
The end of 'Death to America'? Iranian media outlets have largely supported the nuclear deal between Iran and the UN Security Council, with one writer suggesting it is such a turning point in relations with the West that the chant "Death to America" will soon end. Iran
What's delaying gas exploration in Lebanon? Gas exploration in Lebanon has been in limbo for over two years, but with the renewed international efforts, will the file be reopened? Lebanon
Russia views Iran agreement favorably, for now Russia's leaders have greeted the agreement on Iran's nuclear program favorably, although its repercussions down the road might not be welcomed. Russia
Zarif after deal: 'The world has changed' In an interview with Al-Monitor, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif spoke about balcony diplomacy, regional cooperation and why Israel sees the agreement as an "existential threat." Iran
