How serious is Russia's commitment to Libya settlement? Now that recent talks to unite Libya's rival governments have failed, observers are evaluating the extent of Moscow's investment in peaceful reconciliation. Egypt
Turkey, Kurds project confidence as Pentagon plans next Syria moves With the Pentagon close to producing new plans to defeat the Islamic State in Syria, the Kurdish People’s Protection Units and Turkish leaders both insist that the United States will pursue an alliance with them, and US officials keep feeding hopes on both sides. Syria
Was Obama lost opportunity for Iran-US relations? Iran’s foreign minister believes that recent criticism by Iran’s neighbors stems from their regional failures. Saudi Arabia
Erdogan counts on divisive campaign ahead of key vote The pro-constitutional amendment campaign ahead of Turkey’s critical April referendum is exposing the true spirit of the presidential regime that Erdogan wants to install. Turkey
What's behind Erdogan's flurry of activity on Taksim mosque? As construction on Istanbul's controversial Taksim mosque project begins with sudden urgency, the lack of public reaction may signal an important message. Turkey
Will Hamas boycott upcoming local elections? On Feb. 15, Hamas submitted to the Central Election Commission its three conditions for participating in Palestinian local elections rescheduled for May 13. Palestine
The Israeli right's judicial shakedown Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked has scored a victory in the ongoing campaign of the Israeli right to gain control over the Supreme Court. Israel
Why did Egypt really close Al-Nadeem victims' center? Egyptian security forces shut down Al-Nadeem Center on charges that it breached licensing laws, but representatives of the rehabilitation center say politics are involved. Egypt
Will settlers bring down Netanyahu again? Israel's right-wing activists have forgotten the trauma of bringing down the Netanyahu government in 1999 and are willing to threaten the prime minister with leaving the coalition if their demands are not fulfilled. Israel
Families of IS members evicted from liberated areas in Iraq Families of Islamic State members have been evicted from the liberated areas in Iraq by the local authorities or security forces, to avoid revenge and conflict in the local communities. Iraq
Food vs. guns: Will Hamas chose Egypt or Iran? The military wing of Hamas in Gaza pressures the new boss Yahya Sinwar to mend ties with Iran, while the residents of the Gaza Strip need the assistance of Egypt against the misery of the long closure. Palestine
No breakthrough expected at new Syria talks Expectations were modest for a new round of Syria talks set to get underway in Geneva Feb. 23, with the new US administration still formulating its policies. Syria
Trial begins for murder of Turkish commando who stopped coup attempt Turks are closely watching the trial of those accused of murdering special forces commando Omer Halisdemir, who was killed in the line of duty as he played a key role in stopping last summer’s coup attempt. Turkey
Can Iran's Khamenei rule out ‘national reconciliation’? Despite his stated skepticism of the idea of national reconciliation, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei may in effect be maneuvering to decide the terms of such a reconciliation. Iran
Is Ahmadinejad defying Khamenei’s 'advice' to abandon ambitions? Former Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is believed to be back in the game with his former deputy’s announcement that he intends to run in the upcoming presidential elections. Iran
Turkish-Iranian rivalry hits peak as Syria talks kick off Both countries accuse each other of destabilizing the region and undermining security in Iraq and Syria. Syria
