Oman, stuck between Saudi Arabia and Iran With a long history as a regional mediator and close ties with both Riyadh and Tehran, will Oman be able to cool the recent Saudi-Iranian tensions following the execution of Shiite cleric Nimr al-Nimr? Saudi Arabia
The Saudi predicament The execution of a prominent Shiite cleric jeopardizes already fragile international efforts to end the wars in Syria and Yemen. Saudi Arabia
Congress votes again to dismantle Iran deal A look at the Middle East issues Congress will be addressing the week of Jan. 11. Iraq
Can Egypt's new parliament review 330 laws in 15 days? According to Egypt's constitution, the country's newly elected parliament — meeting for the first time Jan. 10 — has only 15 days to review over 330 laws issued since the last parliament was dissolved. Egypt
Egypt MP says neglect of Nubians' role 'crime against human history' In an interview with Al-Monitor, Yassine Abdel Sabour, the first MP for the Nubian people in the new Egyptian parliament, stresses his commitment to advancing the rights of his people in the legislature. Egypt
Was Abbas speech just attempt to dispel poor health rumors? A recent speech by President Mahmoud Abbas was widely perceived by Palestinians as underwhelming, with some claiming its main goal was to assuage rumors that the leader suffers from failing health. Palestine
Shift to open market economy no easy task for Iran Suggested reforms as part of Iran's sixth five-year development plan envisages more competition, but will President Hassan Rouhani's team be able to push for a true open market economy? Iran
Former defense minister condemns Bibi's 'divisive' message In an interview with Al-Monitor, former Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz insists that despite the current violence, it's time for Israel to present a new diplomatic initiative and "initiate and lead" instead of "blaming the other side." Palestine
Kurds on hunger strike for bodies of dead relatives Kurdish families have launched a hunger strike to get the bodies of relatives killed while fighting with the security forces in Turkey’s conflict-ravaged southeast. Turkey
Is Hamas honing its negotiating tactics with Israel? What are the possible motives behind Hamas’ recent revelation of a secret unit that handles captured Israeli soldiers and its release of details about freed prisoner Gilad Shalit's incarceration? Palestine
Forces fight for strategic Syrian gateway to south The Syrian opposition incurred heavy losses during a recent regime attack on the key city of al-Shaykh Maskin, but it is already regaining ground as power quickly shifts from one side to the other. Syria
The real problem with Erdogan's Hitler comment The official "correction" of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s reckless reference to "Hitler’s Germany" reveals more about Erdogan's real agenda than the reference itself. Turkey
How leaked documents find their way to Iraqi media Politicians and government staff are discretely leaking official documents in the name of exposing corruption. Iraq
Is Iran deal the GOP's new Obamacare? Iran sanctions bills have always been bipartisan. Not anymore. Congress
Egypt security forces raid art gallery, theater in lead-up to Jan. 25 anniversary The recent closure of a number of cultural and youth oriented establishments in Egypt came just weeks before the January 25 Revolution anniversary, with the concerned ministries exchanging accusations of being behind the raids and closures. Egypt
Is Israel's democracy in danger? Following the transparency bill and other legal and social moves, the European Union questions Israel’s democratic fiber. Palestine
