Obama's Israeli-Palestinian failure With one year left in office, President Barack Obama should hurry up and join the French in promoting an international conference on a two-state solution. Palestine
Will 'girl zones' help Egyptian women? A controversial new project started by young people aims to establish women-only zones in rural areas of Egypt to provide recreational and educational opportunities. Egypt
Rafsanjani to Guardian Council: Who are you to judge? Ayatollah Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani has stirred controversy in Iran over his defense of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini's grandson, who was disqualified to run in the elections. Iran
You won't believe what this Saudi blogger has to say about Iran The Iranian-Saudi freeze claims collateral damage as a popular Saudi blogger studying in Tehran can’t go back to finish her degree. Saudi Arabia
AKP moderate declared 'traitor' The "Arinc rebellion" against President Recep Tayyip Erdogan seems to be the much-belated outburst of the much-speculated silent opposition within the AKP. But what is it likely to achieve? Turkey
Will Turkey risk military confrontation with Russia? Leading military analysts say Putin is trying to draw Ankara into a fight that could have disastrous results for Turkey. Turkey
The Ottoman legacy in Palestine In the historical Old City of Nablus in the West Bank, buildings from the days of the Ottoman Empire stand tall. Palestine
Erdogan's Kurdish gamble Erdogan, who wants to establish a constitutional authoritarian regime, is taking a big risk by linking the fate of the struggle with the Kurds to his political agenda. Turkey
How one Syrian group is helping kids get back to school The Olive Branch Organization is building schools in war-damaged areas of Syria, realizing that without education and psychological support, children might become "time bombs" destined to lives of anger, frustration and violence. Syria
Can the IDF withstand political pressure? The Israel Defense Forces believe hope and economic opportunity are the keys to calming the current wave of Palestinian attacks, but political leaders are pressing for a military response. Palestine
Why one Israeli campaign is calling artists 'traitors' Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other Israeli politicians have condemned the Im Tirtzu campaign labeling Israeli artists as traitors, but the group's activities against human rights activists continue unabated. Israel
Iraq's illegal hunting problem Illegal hunting activities in Iraq are causing serious threats to the environment, while the law is not enforced and the government condones the practice by Iraqi and Gulf state hunters. Iraq
Tunisia's single mothers still struggle to overcome stigma Although Tunisia is in many ways a relatively liberated country, its legislation is slower to adapt than its gradually modernizing society and many conservative values still prevail. Tunisia
The man behind the future of education in Palestine In an interview with Al-Monitor, Education Minister Sabri Saidam discussed his efforts to move Palestinian students away from rote memorization and toward creative and analytical thinking in addition to modernizing the curriculum. Palestine
Palestinians in Jordan outraged over new work permit requirements Jordan’s decision to require work permits for Palestinians holding temporary passports on its territory will further add to their economic and social suffering. Palestine
Syrian opposition finally agrees to join Geneva talks The Syrian opposition said Feb. 1 it would join the Syria peace talks in Geneva to press for an end to sieges and the shelling of civilians. Gulf
