Economic chaos at Iraq's Anbar border crossings The security situation in Iraq's Anbar province has pushed security forces to close the border crossings on several occasions, impeding the movement of trucks transporting goods into the country and inflicting losses on traders. Iraq
Lebanon's March 14 bloc takes stock on ninth anniversary As the ninth anniversary of the March 14, 2005, demonstrations in Lebanon approach, the March 14 movement is faced with both challenges and opportunities. Lebanon
Cab drivers in Baghdad driving under the influence In Baghdad, some taxi drivers drink alcohol while driving at night, with security officers often turning a blind eye. Iraq
Watch Al-Monitor/NewsHour 'Trendlines' on Ukraine, Middle East The latest PBS NewsHour/Al-Monitor “Trendlines” web special deals with the consequences of the crisis in the Ukraine for US-Russia relations and the Middle East. Palestine
Ashton, Iranian officials disagree on Syria The visit of EU foreign affairs and security policy representative Catherine Ashton to Iran included discussions on Syria, which highlighted the two sides' differing perspectives on the nature of a political solution. Syria
No reconciliation so far with Egypt's Muslim Brotherhood As both the Muslim Brotherhood and much of the Egyptian public seem opposed to a reconciliation between the Brotherhood and the current regime, questions arise concerning the future of the group. Egypt
What lies behind ultra-Orthodox embrace of Labor leader? Shas Party Chairman Aryeh Deri’s announcement of support for Isaac Herzog in his run for prime minister may be just spin, but it does reflect the deep political shifts underway among the ultra-Orthodox. Israel
Egypt fears backlash if it cuts ties with Qatar Egypt is hesitating to join the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and cut ties with Qatar, because the government fears the repercussions such a step would have for the many Egyptians working in Qatar. Saudi Arabia
The AKP’s failed urban strategy The Justice and Development Party’s municipal strategy emphasizing large-scale construction projects and urban transformation may be clashing with its focus on conservative values. Turkey
Death of teenager sparks more protests in Turkey The current domestic upheaval is intensifying for Turkey's prime minister with the death of a 15-year-old boy, in a coma since being hit in the head with a pepper-gas projectile during the Gezi Park protests last year. Turkey
Palestinian activists press Abbas to outlaw honor crimes Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas has failed to sign laws criminalizing honor crimes despite pledges to do so. Palestine
Israeli killing of judge at border provokes backlash in Jordan The killing of a Jordanian judge by an Israeli soldier comes only two weeks after Amnesty International released a study describing Israeli troops as "trigger happy." Palestine
Syrian women refugees humiliated, exploited in Turkey Many female Syrian refugees in Turkey endure sexual harassment and exploitation by employers, prospective husbands and male kin. Syria
Iranian economist says foreign competition key to growth Iranian economist Saeed Laylaz discusses how Iranian President Hassan Rouhani's economic policies can prevent the return of another Mahmoud Ahmadinejad populist, how to decrease the Islamic Republic Guard Corp’s economic influence and the issue of mismanagement. Iran
Senate GOP split on adding Iran sanctions to Ukraine bill Other Republicans support moving the Ukraine bill as quickly as possible without Iran sanctions. Israel
Yemen president dismisses powerful security head In a Cabinet reshuffle, Yemeni President Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi issued a presidential decree that replaced the ministers of interior, oil and most importantly, the head of Yemen’s Political Security Office. Legacy: Gulf
