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The UN has moved peace talks concerning Syria back to March 9th. This is to let the current cessation of hostilities settle down even more; there is a reduction in violence, but both sides of the conflict are still violating the cease fire.

This dissertation written by United Nations Commissioner for Refugees Laura Waas, provides some more academic insight into what exactly constitutes as stateless peoples in the Middle East and North African regions as well as the underlying conditions and legislation these stateless persons have developed. Waas points to the lack of nationality as the primary concern.

The article focuses on the Muslim Brotherhood's belief that Women's rights would result in the destruction of Egyptian Society. The brotherhood disagreed with the statements made in the UN Declaration regarding women's rights. Such concerns included the potential access women would have to travel, work, money, and contraception without the approval of their husbands. The U.N. Commission of the Status of Women seeks to improve the lives of women. The conflict that exist between women's rights/freedoms are restricted by the religious beliefs of the Muslim Brotherhood. 

After many years of trying to give women rights, a decision can not be made without bringing important issues like religion and culture to the table. The Muslim Brotherhood is on the opposing side when coming to a decision on giving rights to women.

After many years of trying to give women rights, a decision can not be made without bringing important issues like religion and culture to the table. The Muslim Brotherhood is on the opposing side when coming to a decision on giving rights to women.

Thsi article explores the state of Christians in Syria. Patriarch Gregorios and Bishop Ibrahim add to this discussion.

Concerns that Israel will launch preventative air strikes against Iran are looming. As the nuclear deal approaches, Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated, "the regime in Iran is dedicated to destroying Israel and Israel has the right and obligation to defend itself." However, it is unlikely that Israel ail strike Iran in the foreseeable future. Here are a few reasons why.

The Arab Network for Human Rights Information (ANHRI) expressed its concern over a proposed law that would criminalise graffiti. ANHRI said on Wednesday that the law, announced by interim Minister of Local Development Adel Labib, would seek to punish those "writing abusive language on the walls of government and private buildings."

Syria's allies, Russia, Iran, and China, all stand by them despite western powers opposing the Syrian government. There are different reasons to why these powers seem to stay with Syria such as Russia's ideologies, Iran's strategy, or China's trading. Either way, these government will stand by them until there is nothing left to lose. 

India, China and Russia are urging all Syrian parties to stop the war, and resume peace negotiations. While these major powers are urging for peace, it seems to be the last thing on the parties agenda. 

Kurdish Aspect covers issues related to Kurds and Kurdistan within the larger context of Middle Eastern concerns. The website offers readers a treasure of information as a useful guide to know how others view the Kurds. Kurdish aspect is proud that a significant number of contributors who have a deep understanding and experience in Kurdish history, culture and politics constantly write for the website.

The article mentions the views of Americans and the views of Egyptians regarding the state of Egypt with concerns surrounding the Muslim Brotherhood. Egyptians were able to carry a message to Americans. Egyptians voiced their want for U.S assistance with terrorism. 

As their sole source of income the control over oil policy and revenue proves to be a huge factor in which government will gain control over the greater Libya. Thinni, the prime minister recognized by the international community, has assured OPEC members that oil revenues are deposited into the Libyan Bank, which then transfers them to the central bank. While this may be true, OPEC members are worried that the continuation of Islamist militant aims for political autonomy through the occupation and attacks on oil ports. BPD have already become a fifth of what they maintained just one year ago. 

This article basically accentuates the driving factors to the ongoing insurgency of ISIL in Libya and how the threat is even more extreme than that of Iraq and Syria. One is the Islamist ideology in itself, rejecting any form of a modern state and the institutions that accompany its success. For example in Libya the leader of the AS branch declares that his militants will not disarm or demobilize until sharia law is imposed. Second, during Gaddafi's rule he unleashed a crackdown on all Islamic expression. The brutality shown towards Islamic groups during this time has fueled their resentment towards sectarian rule and has urged them to push for the rejection of state institutions even more so. The article explains how Islamic groups have claimed power in both Benghazi and Derna, the latter being the historic recruiting ground for Jihad fighters to Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria. The author makes it clear that both military and diplomatic force from the international community is crucial for the reconciliation of security.

Ayat. Seyyed Ali Khamenei, leader of Iran's Islamic revolution, speaks on nuclear negotiations, regarding western dispute over Iran's nuclear program. He says " No deal is better than a deal which contradicts national interests." Other issues concern Iran's purposes for the nuclear program and political decisions for sanctions to be lifted.

This is a blog article that raises the question of whether the US drone war in Yemen has caused more harm than good. The author notes how the indiscriminate death of innocents in drone attacks creates hatred for the US.

This article contrasts communication techniques of Al-Qaida and ISIS. It outlines how ISIS communication strategy uses more dominant forms of social media such as facebook, youtube, and twitter while Al-Qaida still uses web pages, forums, and their own magazine they publish to speak to their audience.

The battle in Yemen is causing many civilians to flee, and business to close down. The instability is raising fears that Yemen could be falling deeper into poverty.

I found this political cartoon that I think illustrates the United States and Israel's concerns, regarding Iran's nuclear program.

After fighting increased in Syria, Turkey decided to close dow two border crossings that lead to Syria as a precaution. Until this point, Turkey has kept its borders open to Syrian refugees and even so it still has been criticized for doing too little to stop foreign fighters from entering Syria.