Engel: Sanctions, Not Rouhani, Only Chance for Iran Deal

Eliot Engel, ranking Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, discusses sanctions on Iran, his support for missile strikes against Syrian airfields and the need to maintain US military assistance to Egypt.

Egypt

House Intel Committee Chairman Not Hopeful on Iran's Rouhani

Mike Rogers, the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence chairman, says claims of Iranian President-elect Hassan Rouhani’s moderation are more marketing than reality.

Iran

More Iran Sanctions A Mixed Bag for Netanyahu

The Israeli prime minister may still have to defer his “mission accomplished” moment in Iran.

Israel

Iran’s New Culture Minister Key Figure in Rouhani’s Cabinet

While some are skeptical over the proposed culture minister who is the son of a hard-line ayatollah, many expect an improvement in the ministry under his leadership.

Iran

For Netanyahu, Peace Talks Revolve Around Iran

The overlapping Israeli-Palestinian talks with negotiations between the West and Iran might offer a hint as to what really motivated Prime Minister Netanyahu to return to negotiations.

Palestine

Iran's Ramadan: Behind the Canvas

Iranians who choose not to fast during Ramadan must find ways to not offend the religious sensibilities of those who do.

Iran

The Coming Rapprochement Between Iran and the Brotherhood

As both Sunni and Shiite groups in the Middle East are targeted by the West and its allies, some predict a forthcoming Sunni-Shiite rapprochement.

Egypt

Shiite Seminaries Divided On Fatwas for Syrian Jihad

While Shiite clergy in Iran and Iraq mostly prefer to stay out of issuing fatwas, a minority is calling for jihad in Syria against salafist groups.

Iraq

Iranian Patients Still Suffer From Sanctions on Medicine

Despite the United States easing the ban on medicine, Iranian patients with serious illnesses continue to suffer from sanctions as well as government mismanagement.

Iran

Al-Monitor’s Gursel Wins Award; Watch US House on Syria

Al-Monitor’s coverage of press freedom in Turkey, the US House of Representatives on Syria, and Iraq as possible mediator on Iran; Daoud Kuttab discusses the Middle East with Fareed Zakaria.

Iraq

Iran’s Renewable Energy Sector Poised for Growth

Higher energy costs should be a boost for Iran’s renewable energy.

Iran

Erdogan’s Sinking International Prestige

The more Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan lashes out at “international conspirators” as the cause of his troubles, the more his international reputation suffers.

Turkey