Turkish official: Syrian refugees are here to stay Leading refugee expert Metin Corabatir says the Turkish government must come up with clearer legislation and policies to address the problem of Syrian refugees, and work much more closely with the international community and NGOs. Syria
Turkish official: Syrian refugees are here to stay Leading refugee expert Metin Corabatir says the Turkish government must come up with clearer legislation and policies to address the problem of Syrian refugees, and work much more closely with the international community and NGOs. Syria
Lebanon’s MPs extend own terms The recent decision of the Lebanese parliament to extend its term for another 31 months, without holding elections, might be a step to put the country under foreign tutelage. Lebanon
Israel risks losing support from US, Europe The continued settlement policy of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu might drive the United States to reduce its diplomatic support of Israel, thus damaging its strategic security interests and ability to respond to security threats. Israel
Temple Mount blindness: Bibi takes the nation for a ride Ministers Tzipi Livni and Yair Lapid, who continue to hold to their Cabinet seats, are as much to blame as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for the lack of diplomatic progress with the Palestinians and the risk of a third intifada. Palestine
Syrian official: negotiations with US blocked by Saudi Arabia A Syrian official spoke on the continued gains of the Syrian army, the failings of the international coalition and chances of talks between the opposing parties. Lebanon
Israelis remember Rabin, but many reject his legacy Educators, especially within the national-religious sector, debate whether Rabin Memorial Day should be dedicated to his political legacy or to tolerance and coexistence. Israel
Would EU recognition of Palestine be more than symbolic? European recognition of the State of Palestine would both strengthen the Palestinian hand in peace negotiations with Israel and weaken Israel’s claim to its settlements in the occupied territories. Palestine
Palestinian-Syrian refugees face hardship in Lebanon About 60,000 Palestinian-Syrians have fled to Lebanon, but many are finding that they cannot work and cannot afford food and housing. Palestine
Decrypting Erdogan's 'Daesh' stumbles Why did President Recep Tayyip Erdogan begin using an incorrect Arabic acronym, Deash, in referring to the Islamic State immediately after his meeting with French President François Hollande? Near East
Gaza’s businessmen facing bankruptcy Israel targeted important economic sectors in the Gaza Strip in the latest war, rendering many businesses bankrupt and business owners unemployed. Palestine
Lebanon's migrant workers find comfort in drama Producer and director Zeina Daccache’s drama therapy program, Catharsis, offers Lebanon’s migrant workers and other disadvantaged populations a way to connect with each other and a rare outlet for self-expression. Lebanon
US general says anti-IS coalition focus remains on Iraq, not Syria Gen. Lloyd Austin said US-led forces are already having a significant impact confronting the group that calls itself the Islamic State and are not focused for now on rolling back IS advances in Syria. Yemen
Ethiopian minister upbeat about dam talks with Egypt In an interview with Al-Monitor, Ethiopian Minister of Water and Energy Alemayehu Tenegu says negotiations with Egypt and Sudan over the Renaissance Dam are improving. Egypt
Jordan recalls envoy to Israel after Al-Aqsa violence Jordanian King Abdullah hopes Israel understands the serious message he is sending by recalling Jordan's ambassador due to escalations at Al-Aqsa Mosque. Palestine
Jabhat al-Nusra deflates hopes of Assad opponents Following the Islamic State's advance, Jabhat al-Nusra has also moved to the Turkish border, routing moderate rebels and dashing the hopes of “train and equip” proponents eager for a renewed war on the Syrian regime. Syria
