Russia Admits Syria’s Assad May Be Losing Control
Russia doesn’t exclude a rebel victory in Syria, so it has to plan for a future without Assad.
Middle East and North Africa
Iraq Challenges Saudi Arabia, Resists Oil Production Cut
The kingdom tries to put the squeeze on an Iraq that is emboldened by rising oil output.
United States to Label Syrian Rebel Group Terrorists
One of the most disciplined and effective forces battling Assad deploys terrorist tactics.
Clashes Between Morsi’s Opponents, Supporters Kill Five
Five die in bloody clashes in Cairo between opponents and supporters of the president’s.
Azerbaijan Denies Plans to Facilitate Israeli Iran Strike
The Caucasus nation insists it won’t let its territory be used for an attack.
Egypt’s Morsi Doesn’t Bend to Protesters on Referendum
The ruling Muslim Brotherhood is confident that its new constitution will pass.
Israel Hits Back at Palestinians After United Nations Vote
Israel withholds Palestinian tax revenue and announces new settlement construction.
Fear of Civil War as Iraqi-Kurdish Talks Collapse
The central and Kurdish governments fail to diffuse a military standoff in the north of Iraq.
Real Hardship Could Be After United Nations Palestine Vote
Abbas could collapse the peace process if he sues Israel in the International Criminal Court.
Likud Moves to Right, Livni Presents Centrist Alternative
The popular former foreign minister probably won’t stop Netanyahu from winning reelection.
Israeli Defense Minister Won’t Stand in January Election
Ehud Barak’s decision is unlikely to prevent the ruling coalition from winning reelection.
Islamist President’s Power Grab Alarms Egypt’s Liberals
Opposition activists accuse the Muslim Brotherhood of erecting a new dictatorship.
Turkey Overplayed Hand, Irrelevant in Gaza Conflict
Recep Erdoğan’s bluster notwithstanding, Israel doesn’t really care about Turkey.
Hamas, Israel Back to Square One in Gaza
A ceasefire agreement leaves neither side the winner in the Gaza conflict.
Did Hamas Provoke Israeli Offensive for Political Gain?
The Palestinian terrorist group may hope to influence the upcoming Israeli election.