Erdogan makes crowd boo Berkin Elvan’s family Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan defined Berkin Elvan, the 15-year-old boy who fought for his life for nine months after being hit with a tear gas canister, a terrorist. Turkey
Al-Monitor Congress Pulse expands Syria, Russia-Ukraine-Mideast coverage Congress Pulse and "Trendlines" delve into the implications of Ukraine for US policy in the Middle East. Syria
Is Turkey heading toward Alevi-Sunni clashes? The most risky issue for Turkey is a potential Alevi-Sunni clash that requires the Erdogan government to urgently introduce an Alevi freedoms opening. Turkey
Ukraine crisis could strengthen Russia-Iran-China ties Iran will officially remain neutral on Ukraine, but the outcome of the crisis could mean a strengthening of ties with Russia, as both countries share many strategic interests. Russia
Lebanon deserves better Despite the formation of a long-awaited Lebanese Cabinet, the country must rethink sectarianism if it is to persevere in the midst of regional conflicts. Lebanon
Hunger strike by dervishes in Iran provokes protests Two hundred dervishes were arrested and then released for protesting against the continued imprisonment of dervishes who are on hunger strike in Iran. Iran
Turkish media overseer says opposition doesn't get equal time Two members of the Radio and Television Supreme Council (RTUK) complain about the government preventing access to all points of view in advance of March 30 local elections. Turkey
Royce, Engel call for withdrawing recognition of Assad government The non-binding House resolution conditions recognition of the Syrian government on its full cooperation on humanitarian relief, while allowing “negotiations with Assad’s regime” to continue. Syria
Fear of another Green Movement influences perceptions of Ukraine Some Iranian conservatives believe that what's happening in Ukraine is similar to what happened in the 2009 Green Movement protests in Iran, but these allegations are rejected by activists and Reformists. Iran
Turkey's soap operas spur beauty sales Turkey has grown its own power players in the country's booming cosmetics and beauty sector. Turkey
Iran weighs 'active neutrality' in Ukraine Iran’s strategic priorities remain a comprehensive nuclear agreement and a political solution in Syria. Syria
Former Obama officials propose talking with Iran on Syria aid With US-Russia relations strained over Ukraine former Obama administration officials suggested the US should incorporate Iran into talks over aid with Syria, citing Iran has far more influence over Assad's regime than Russia. Originals
PIJ rockets remind Israelis of failure of Gaza withdrawal Though Israel possesses the best military means in the region, when attacked by rockets, its hands are tied, unable to retaliate forcefully, and the Israeli population is growing more and more skeptical about the worth of an agreement. Palestine
UK prime minister stands before broken Knesset David Cameron's speech in the Knesset was lost within the battle at the plenum for three major bills, with the opposition boycotting the hastened debates and the public not understanding the significant issues at play. Israel
The fading Turkish model for the Arab world Allegations of corruption against the government of Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan is undermining what little support may still remain across the Middle East. Turkey
Gaza residents fear new war Civilians queue at bakeries and stock up on food in fear of a new war with Israel. Palestine
