Analysis Iran executes alleged MEK members in bid to signal wartime control Iran's execution of four alleged opposition members underscores a wartime strategy of tightening domestic control — leveraging a familiar "enemy" narrative to manage internal dissent and uncertainty. By A correspondent in Tehran In Tehran, reporting on politics
Analysis How the Iran war is giving Turkey's Erdogan a big boost Opinion polls show Turks turning to Erdogan as a steady hand during the war, even as the country's finances remain fragile. By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Who is Handala, the hacktivist group US ties to Iranian intelligence? Handala Hack Team portrays itself as a pro-Palestinian group but is widely believed to be linked to Iranian intelligence. Iran
Jet fuel squeeze exposes Europe’s reliance on Middle East supply Lawmakers on the continent have been told to make "timely preparations in anticipation of a potentially prolonged disruption" in energy flows from the region. Iran
Analysis Israel urges US escalation against Iran, possible ground invasion By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Saudi executions signal royal worries Saudi Arabia's execution of 47 people, including a poplar Shiite cleric, point to the royal family's growing concerns about the kingdom's stability. Saudi Arabia
Rouhani orders more missiles in response to new sanctions Iranian officials have condemned reports that the United States will propose new sanctions against Iran for their ballistic missile program. Iran
Will South Pars help bring Iran's economy back to life? The newly inaugurated phases 15 and 16 of Iran's giant South Pars project have the potential to greatly boost the country's economy. Qatar
Rouhani faces pressure to address crippling smog in Tehran Iranian President Hassan Rouhani continues to take political pressure for being unable to address three weeks of smog that has shut down schools. Iran
Palestinian factions rush to denounce Kuntar's assassination Many observers believe Palestinians and Hezbollah both stand to lose more than they would gain if Gaza becomes a scene of retaliation for Samir Kuntar's slaying. Palestine
Why Turkey’s beaches, hard liquor are losing allure among Iranians The deteriorating security situation in eastern Turkey coupled with Ankara's hostile rhetoric toward Iran is decreasing the allure of Turkey's liberal beach resorts among Iranians. Turkey
Will Green Movement haunt Iran’s upcoming elections? The body that vets candidates in Iran says it will review statements made by candidates as part of the contested 2009 elections. Iran
Saudi anti-terrorism coalition raises eyebrows in Lebanon Saudi Arabia’s anti-terrorism Islamic coalition has sparked mixed reactions in Lebanon as some parties had no idea their country was a listed member. Saudi Arabia
Iranian cleric calls out Egypt's Al-Azhar for anti-Shiite activities An Iranian grand ayatollah wrote an open letter to Al-Azhar regarding the university's anti-Shiite essay competition. Iran
Saudi Arabia's mounting security challenges Saudi Arabia's battle in Yemen and conflicts with Iran, coupled with the fall in the price of oil, point to a trying 2016 for the kingdom. Legacy: Gulf
Why Abbas should rethink Palestinian support for Islamic coalition Some Palestinians see President Mahmoud Abbas' decision to participate in the Saudi-led Islamic coalition as a step to turn the world's attention away from their suffering under Israel’s practices. Saudi Arabia
Jordan’s Syria blacklist blasted by key players Wide criticism has already emerged of the Jordanian list of terrorist groups in Syria, and some observers believe the initiative never had a chance. Saudi Arabia