Islamic Jihad members push for internal reform Palestinian Islamic Jihad is mired in an internal dispute as members push the leadership to permit internal elections and expand into a popular movement. Palestine
EU, Egypt agree to elections observation mission The agreement for the EU to monitor Egypt’s coming elections will add to their legitimacy, but not everyone agrees the move is wise. Egypt
Benghazi politics hampers US-Libya relations Republicans want to block aid to Tripoli over lack of progress in attack probe. Libya
Palestinians should consider halt to diplomacy The Palestinians should heed the suggestion of a group of distinguished Americans and halt diplomacy with Israel until it complies with international law. Palestine
After Maaloula, Syrian army heads to Zabadani The Syrian army has taken control of Maaloula, and seems to be on the verge of recovering most of the region linking Damascus to Lebanon. Lebanon
Sistani calls on Iraqi voters to 'choose wisely' Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani has called on the Iraqi people to "choose wisely" in the coming elections, holding Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki responsible for problems in Iraq and opposing a third term for him. Iraq
Mardin elects 25-year old Christian woman as mayor Februniye Akyol, a 25-year-old Syriac Christian and a political novice, was elected co-mayor of Mardin, thus becoming the first Christian woman to lead one of Turkey's 30 metropolitan municipalities. Turkey
Can Turkey work miracle on current account deficit? Turkey’s battle against its gaping current account deficit appears to be going well, but dependence on foreign energy supplies remains a major stumbling block. Turkey
Lebanon's Shiite seminaries split between tradition, modernity Although most Shiite seminaries in Lebanon still follow a traditional curriculum, a number of schools have begun to revise and develop their educational approaches. Iraq
US, Saudi drifting apart despite Obama visit The core pillars that sustained the US-Saudi alliance for decades are crumbling, as changing geopolitical, energy and regional dynamics strain relations. Saudi Arabia
Netanyahu caught between Obama, Bennett Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces a tough choice between US President Barack Obama and negotiations with the Palestinians on one hand and the integrity of his coalition and the threat of elections on the other. Palestine
Israeli social media analyst: 'no desire for a violent intifada' In an interview with Al-Monitor, social media analyst on trends in the Arab world Orit Perlov claims that Israelis often depict a black and white picture of their neighbors, unaware of the complexity of their society. Palestine
The Saudi succession question Although Saudis welcomed the elevation of Prince Muqrin, 68, as deputy crown prince, many wonder whether a younger, more energetic leadership might be better equipped to handle future economic and development challenges. Legacy: Gulf
Controversial public executions in Iran draw crowds Though the arguments for public executions and punishment are not always religiously strong, they continue to be used, with the spectacles drawing big crowds. Iran
Lebanon’s new pulse In the shadow of the Syrian war, Lebanon may be discovering a new social contract. Lebanon
Veteran US diplomat Bill Burns to retire, led back channel to Iran After 32 years as a career Foreign Service officer Deputy Secretary of State William Burns, who led the back channel effort to Iran, will retire from the Foreign Service in October. Originals
