What Zarrab's arrest means for Rouhani While it is unclear whether Reza Zarrab’s prosecution will yield greater cooperation between Turkey, the United States and Iran, it appears that the case could strengthen Iranian President Hassan Rouhani rather than weakening Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Turkey
Kerry notes 'beneficial reduction' in Syrian violence Syrian "cessation of hostilities” holding at one month as Islamic State loses ground; Masoud Barzani says US is turning a “blind eye” to Syrian Kurdish ally’s links to PKK. Originals
Why Israeli companies are fleeing West Bank settlements EU and UN decisions to label settlement products and identify firms doing business there are driving companies to relocate from West Bank settlements across the Green Line. Palestine
Why ultra-Orthodox women are asking for the 'Kate Middleton' Contemporary ultra-Orthodox style is modest but not always conservative, as many women seek wigs inspired by Duchess Kate Middleton and readily buy lingerie considered "daring." Israel
How this Israeli checkpoint turns morning commute into 5-hour ordeal The dangerous overcrowding at Checkpoint 300, through which an estimated 15,000 Palestinian workers pass daily into Israel, is a disaster in the making. Palestine
US looks to sidestep UN on Iran missiles Blocked at the UN Security Council, the Obama administration considers other multilateral tools. Russia
US 'encouraged' by momentum in Syria peace talks As the partial Syria cease-fire holds for a month, the United States and Russia expressed cautious optimism that they have found agreement on ways to move the Syria peace process forward. Syria
Why does Rouhani want a second JCPOA? Talk of a second, domestic Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, or "Barjam 2," among rival Iranian factions is stirring heated debate in the Islamic Republic. Iran
Iran optimistic after Syrian forces retake Palmyra The recapture of Palmyra by the Syrian government has Iranian officials and media optimistic about the direction of Syria’s civil war. Syria
Why Turkey's high unemployment rate may mean more terror attacks The youth unemployment rate in Turkey’s conflict-torn southeast has shot up to nearly 25% in some areas, offering fertile ground for recruitment to Kurdish and Islamist terrorist groups. Syria
Will Syrian Kurdish self-rule succeed? Syrian Kurds believe their proposed self-rule system will work in predominantly Kurdish-populated areas, but will face stiff opposition elsewhere. Syria
How Turkey's Syrian refugees are getting by Some 85% of Syrians in Turkey who live outside the refugee camps are forced to accept meager wages due to their continued lack of work permits. Syria
Why Israel needs B'Tselem Human rights organizations can stop Israelis from ignoring what they and their leaders are trying to repress or bury. Palestine
Why Israelis are defending IDF soldier who shot Palestinian attacker A recent poll shows that most Israelis side with an IDF soldier who shot a subdued Palestinian, even though it's clear the soldier was not acting in self-defense. Palestine
Virtual party beats Netanyahu, but what about reality? A Haaretz poll suggests that a party headed by two politicians and a former IDF chief of staff could defeat a party list headed by Benjamin Netanyahu. Israel
Kerry notes 'beneficial reduction' in Syrian violence Syrian cessation of hostilities holding at one month as Islamic State loses ground; Massoud Barzani says United States is turning a “blind eye” to Syrian Kurdish ally’s links to the Kurdistan Workers Party. Iraq
