Why Israeli occupation of the West Bank is reversible New data shows that the settlements in the West Bank are not an irreversible situation, and that most of the population growth in settlements is due to births — not immigration of Israelis into the settlements. Palestine
Rouhani’s opponents take aim at concerts The continuing controversies surrounding the holding of concerts in Iran appear to have less to do with Islam and more to do with the country’s upcoming presidential vote. Iran
What's driving Palestinian attacks? When the wave of Palestinian violence broke out, most of the assailants were youngsters who believed that their acts would bring closer Palestinian statehood; but recent attacks seem motivated largely by religious beliefs. Palestine
Sudan FM 'confident' Ethiopia dam won’t harm Egypt In a wide-ranging interview, Sudan's foreign minister defends his country's actions on Darfur and said dialogue to further ease US economic sanctions on Sudan continues. Egypt
Where has Turkey's foreign direct investment gone? In the first half of this year, foreign direct investments in Turkey plummeted 54% compared to the same period last year. Turkey
Turkey’s Islamists can’t get enough of Lindsay Lohan US celebrity Lindsay Lohan has become an unlikely promoter of Turkey. Syria
Grieving Iranians beat South Korea in soccer After weeks of debate over the confluence of the Iran-South Korea soccer match and the most significant Islamic holiday for Shiite Muslims, Iran beat South Korea — while people cheered and mourned simultaneously. Iran
Is Turkey ditching Saudi Arabia for Iran? The recent string of high-level meetings between Iranian and Turkish officials suggests that the two regional powerhouses may be moving closer on Syria. Saudi Arabia
How realistic is Turkey’s pledge for free factories? Its budget already gaping, the Turkish government plans to spend even more under an ambitious project to revive the economy in the conflict-hit, mainly Kurdish southeast. Turkey
What’s behind Sadrists’ return to Iraq’s Shiite National Alliance? After boycotting the alliance for months, the Sadrist movement says it has returned, conditionally, to prepare a united front for the upcoming elections. Iraq
Just how neutral is Oman in Yemen war? Oman has claimed neutrality in the war in Yemen, but Saudi and coalition forces say the sultanate is smuggling weapons through its border with Yemen to Iran-backed Houthis. Oman
Threats drive out beauty pageant in Upper Egypt Controversy surrounding the Miss Upper Egypt beauty pageant turned ugly, forcing organizers to cancel the event. Egypt
Why Egypt's 'revolution of the hungry' isn't coming soon Despite rumors that protests have been planned for Nov. 11, it seems many Egyptians don't want — or can't afford — an uprising at this time. Egypt
Power struggle erupts in Turkey’s security structure Two very different groups are vying to fill all the personnel holes Turkey's purge punched into its military and intelligence agencies. Turkey
What US-Russia fallout means for Syria A collapsing US-Russia relationship could have profound consequences for Syria’s civil war and the Middle East. Syria
Turks blame US, Iran for encouraging Baghdad against Ankara Turkey's opinion-makers think Iraq isn’t acting alone in its calls for Turkish troops to leave a camp near Mosul. Iraq
