Why Israel is staying silent on Azerbaijan-Armenia conflict Despite its strong ties with Azerbaijan, Israel has kept silent on the conflict with Armenia out of wariness of raising the issue of occupation. Israel
Will Sisi, Muslim Brotherhood make peace? The return of an Islamic TV broadcaster who fled after the 2013 coup has raised the question whether reconciliation is possible between the Egyptian government and the Muslim Brotherhood. Egypt
French FM speaks out on Middle East crises Newly appointed French Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault speaks to Al-Monitor about the link between Europe's migrant crisis and the Syrian conflict, saying the European Union and France must shoulder their responsibilities to help solve the Israeli-Palestinian issue. Lebanon
Does Israel have justification to enter West Bank's Area A? Palestinians and Israelis disagree over the legality of the Israeli army pursuing Palestinian fugitives into Area A of the West Bank. Palestine
OIC conference begins with Iran-Saudi spat Iran’s foreign minister has condemned Saudi Arabia's attempts to introduce anti-Iranian resolutions ahead of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation summit in Istanbul. Saudi Arabia
Does Jordan hold key to Palestinian independence? Palestinian researchers and activists are advancing the proposal of a Jordanian-Palestinian confederation, even though the Palestinian leadership fears that such a structure could harm future Palestinian sovereignty. Palestine
First Turkey-backed operation against IS becomes a fiasco Just days after Turkey-backed groups claimed victory against IS in Syria’s al-Rai, the area has fallen back under the extremist group’s control, supporting claims that cooperation with Kurdish forces is needed to defeat IS. Syria
Turkey’s new 4G mobile network comes with many dark clouds While the fourth-generation mobile data network arrived in Turkey this month, high costs, insufficient infrastructure and potential concerns from the government mean doubts remain about the extent to which it will benefit citizens. Turkey
Why Hamas needs a prisoner-swap deal with Israel Hamas seems to believe the only way to battle the frustration of Gaza residents over their desperate economic situation and corrupt leadership is to announce another prisoner exchange. Palestine
Do Israelis lack empathy for Palestinian suffering? While Israeli Jews have always demonstrated solidarity with Jews around the world, they reject demonstrations of solidarity by Israeli Palestinians toward their brothers under occupation. Israel
Will Iran and Russia join forces on Azerbaijani-Armenian conflict? The renewed fighting over the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region has allowed Iran to present itself as a responsible and peace-seeking actor in its northern neighborhood. Russia
Palestinian internal politics deteriorating on all fronts Internal differences within the PLO have caused President Mahmoud Abbas to place financial pressure on the PFLP, which has accused him of a monopoly over political decisions. Palestine
Controversial bill threatens Israel's Arab MKs with suspension The Knesset is getting closer to passing the proposed suspension bill, which some fear would allow Arab members to be suspended over loosely defined violations. Israel
Congress ponders next move as Egypt clogs its own funding pipeline Lawmakers question US aid priorities as Cairo blocks projects. Egypt
Cairo tries to reassure citizens and Israel amid island controversy The announcement that Egypt would be ceding control of two disputed Red Sea islands to Saudi Arabia has provoked outrage domestically and raised concerns in Israel. Saudi Arabia
Can Egypt's new Cabinet avoid mistakes of the past? Sweeping changes in Egyptian Prime Minister Sherif Ismail's Cabinet have some observers recalling a previous premier's successful, but dubious, lineup. Egypt
