Envoys look to gain momentum for peace in Syria As world powers seek to sustain momentum for Syria diplomacy amid divisions on the way forward, a former US diplomat urged moving for a cease-fire first before convening talks on Syria’s political future. Saudi Arabia
Rouhani criticizes IRGC's arrest of journalists Iranian President Hassan Rouhani publicly voiced his objection to the recent arrest of journalists accused of being part of an "infiltration network." Iran
Start studying, it takes more than just good looks to be a model in Iran The Iranian authorities are set to regulate the country's nascent modeling industry. Iran
How Turkey's pollsters missed the mark on election predictions There are several reasons why all the major polling agencies performed so dismally in predicting the results of Turkey's Nov. 1 elections. Turkey
Right-wing minister and IDF clash over Israel's intel assessment Minister Zeev Elkin accused IDF Intelligence Chief Herzi Halevi of faulty assessments, claiming that the military does not take into account incitement by the Palestinian Authority. Palestine
Is Qatar Iran's door to the Gulf? The recent Iranian-Qatari rapprochement has created further controversy in the Middle East but some countries see it as a positive step in alleviating the ongoing conflict. Saudi Arabia
Why Gaza's grooms are looking for a career-focused bride Gazan society’s outlook on women's employment changes amid crippling economic conditions. Palestine
Palestinian Cabinet to consider new law providing greater access to government documents A draft law on the right to access information has languished for years without being presented to the president's office, so supporters of the proposal have formed a coalition to press for movement on the measure. Palestine
Why Syria's youngest refugees need more than just food aid The Syrian refugee children spread in Syria’s neighboring countries are at risk of becoming isolated and violent and need extensive psychological rehabilitation. Jordan
Party squabbles keep Herzog from leading opposition Instead of piloting the opposition while the coalition is leading Israel toward harsh divisions, Zionist Camp leader Isaac Herzog is busy dealing with internal party bickering and threats to his leadership. Israel
Iranian olive branch offers diplomatic paradigm shift To resolve regional crises before they become even worse, Iran and its Arab neighbors must engage in dialogue based on a new paradigm for conflict resolution. Gulf
Khamenei warns Iranians not to rely on the US Ahead of the anniversary of the US Embassy takeover, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has warned against relying on the United States. Iran
Will AKP victory change Turkey's foreign policy? If the new Turkish government fails to take advantage of its electoral mandate to make necessary revisions in foreign policy, events on the ground might force its hand anyway. Egypt
How Palestinian divisions affect the intifada As the uprising in the Palestinian territories enters its second month, Palestinians have yet to agree on its nature, objectives and repercussions. Palestine
How will Jordan's pivot to Russia pay off? Jordan and Russia have agreed on military coordination in Syria after a long silence in Amman about Russian intervention there. Jordan
