Russia's was the final twist that compelled Bashar Al-Assad to sign the Arab League peace plan, writes Graham Usher at the United Nations

Syria's Christians have cancelled Christmas celebrations this year, only marking the occasion with services for the victims of the security crackdown in the country

After weeks of prevarication and delay, the Syrian government has agreed to Arab monitors verifying the Arab peace initiative, writes Bassel Oudat in Damascus

Burning mosques, burning vehicles, settlers appear to have a blank cheque to harass and aggress Palestinians, writes Khaled Amayreh in occupied Jerusalem

With the second phase of the prisoner swap deal concluded, many Palestinians believe it is only by force that they can exact concessions from Israel, writes Saleh Al-Naami

The Yemeni unity government is expected to submit its programme to parliament next week, writes Nasser Arrabyee

Tunisian fruit-seller Mohamed Bouazizi burned himself to death one year ago in a catalytic event that gave rise to the Arab revolutions, writes Lassaad Ben Ahmed from Tunis

Seats have changed hands in Al-Bashir's cabinet but the only apparent difference is that the forces of disintegration are gaining strength, warns Asmaa El-Husseini

Obama et al dress up the US departure from Iraq with talk of a moral victory, relying on selective body counts, argues Ramzy Baroud

With the last American combat troops on their way home from Iraq, the world is turning its attention to the country's uncertain future, writes Salah Nasrawi

The American RQ170 Sentinel captured in Iran, writes Amani Maged, may be evidence of advanced war technology in the Islamic republic