Palestinian dead become Israeli bargaining chip Israel buries bodies of Palestinian dead in what is known as the “Cemetery of Numbers," a poorly managed site where many bodies reportedly have been lost mainly due to negligence. Palestine
Excavations reveal destruction of Second Temple For archaeologists excavating near Temple Mount, every find helps to clear the mystery surrounding what happened at the time of Jerusalem’s destruction. Israel
Lobbying 2015: Saudis seek Iran deal payoff Gravely concerned by the nuclear deal with Iran, Saudi Arabia is relying on its $3.7 million-a-year PR and lobbying operation to leverage it for more US commitments instead of seeking to sabotage it. Saudi Arabia
Lobbying 2015: Qatar crawls in from the cold Qatar is coming in from the cold in Washington as the gas-rich emirate falls into line with its Gulf neighbors’ stance against rebellious Islamist. Qatar
Lobbying 2015: Morocco courts US backing in Sahara dispute Morocco is spending upwards of $3 million a year to convince US politicians – including presidential hopeful Hillary Clinton – to back its claims over the disputed Western Sahara. So far, it’s working. Morocco
Lobbying 2015: US turns page on Bahrain's crackdown US military aid to the tiny Gulf kingdom of Bahrain is flowing again after its strong anti-Islamic State stance and pricey PR push. Bahrain
Lobbying 2015: Egypt lobbies itself back into America's good graces Congress and the State Department are willing to overlook ongoing human rights abuses in Egypt as Abdel Fatah al-Sisi takes on the Islamic State and keeps the peace with Israel. Egypt
Lobbying 2015: US courts aloof Algeria in terror fight Algeria, the desert giant at the crossroads of North Africa, is building ever-closer counterterrorism ties with the United States but is losing out to its historic rival Morocco in the disputed Western Sahara. Algeria
Lobbying 2015: Kuwait secures Guantanamo releases Kuwait is spending $2 million a year to convince the US to release its citizens from Guantanamo Bay. Its success ratio so far has been 11 : 1. Kuwait
Lobbying 2015: UAE asserts itself with record-smashing lobby blitz The United Arab Emirates spent a record $12.7 million last year to face down criticism from Islamists and US airlines. United Arab Emirates
Lobbying 2015: Jordan earns $1 billion bonus for battling IS The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan relies on the US-educated king’s 15-year relationship with top lawmakers and military officials to defend a strategic lynchpin at the heart of the Middle East maelstrom. Jordan
Lobbying 2015: Congress deserts Sahara activists Massively outspent by Morocco, the Western Sahara’s independence fighters have been all but deserted by Congress and the Obama administration. Western Sahara
Can Iraq bring Iran, GCC closer? Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif's recent visit to Iraq sends several important signals — all centering on increasing regional security in the Middle East. Iraq
Hamas' cyber battalions take on Israel The cyber war between the Israelis and the Palestinians is intensifying, with each side racing to penetrate the enemy’s sensitive sites. Palestine
Kobani’s oil dries up Living conditions are dire in Kobani, and the precarious economic conditions seem to be related to the lack of oil due to the blockade that has been insulating the city. Syria
Rebels unlikely to find success in Aleppo In light of divisions among rebel factions, it appears the battle for Aleppo will be long and drawn out, unlike the rapid progress they made in capturing Idlib. Syria
