No significant defections have been recorded from the Syrian regime, possibly because of the all-encompassing control of the security forces, writes Bassel Oudat in Damascus

The end of Al-Assad's regime will end Iran's regional influence, so one can expect Tehran to play a full hand before it happens, writes Sheherezade Faramarzi

In his trip to Washington, Israel's premier acted more like the US president than his host, Barack Obama, writes Khaled Amayreh in occupied Jerusalem

After some hope of overcoming internal divisions, Palestinian factions are as far from reconciliation as they ever were, writes Saleh Al-Naami

Oil-rich Cyrenaica declares autonomy, militias flex their muscles and Libya faces the threat of fragmentation and the political ascendancy of uncompromising Islamists, laments Gamal Nkrumah

Al-Bashir calls for military mobilisation against foes at home and abroad, but he is his own worst enemy, argues Asmaa El-Husseini

AFTER Iran's parliamentary elections, what is impressive to Iranians is the large turnout of voters rather than the surprisingly victory of the hardliners...

In response to the tragic deaths of soldiers this week, the new elected president vows to crush all terrorists, says Nasser Arrabyee

The appointment of a new Saudi ambassador to Iraq may not signal a thaw in relations between the two countries, writes Salah Nasrawi