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Saudi Arabia former leader, King Abdullah, who passed away recently, seemed to be pushing for a slow reform in women's rights. While in power, many small but worthy advances were made for Saudi women. One of the most notable of these advances would be the role of women in the work force growing exponentially.

Tunisia cut its economic growth forecast for this year to 3.5 percent, down from a previous forecast of 4.5 percent due to declines in foreign investment and tourism. Tunisia's government said in December the economy would grow 4.5 percent in 2012, but ongoing strikes have put off foreign investment, forcing it to cut its forecast. In 2011 the leaving of Zine Al-Abidine Ben Ali sparked the "Arab Spring". This caused revolts, which shrank the economy to 1.8 percent in 2011. The supplementary budget also increased in spending of 1 billion dinars.

Suleiman al-Hout was refused a license for his food cart in 2007. In retaliation, Hout acted the opposite of Mohammed Bouazizi in Tunisia. He went directly to Mubarak's former party headquarters and told them they had an opportunity to gain his vote by helping him on his food cart license. Since then, Hout was a proud supporter of the National Democratic Party and spent many years growing his business network and promoting the party. Through these tactics, Hout gained political clout and support. He did not benefit from the youth revolution because he was still unable to gain employment and a livelihood. The way Hout runs his political campaign is similar to Mubarak-era tactics. Although Hout was an early supporter of Sisi, he quickly changed his position when he was not given a job in the regime and did not gain any other employment. Now he is running for a seat in parliament, and because of his business connections, he may be successful.

In this Star article, the history of the two-state deal, and its morphing into a one-state deal, is highlighted and outlined. As the article states, the political leaders continue to grow more harsh with each other, while the people of the nations desire for a greater peace continues to rise.

In this AL Monitor article, the growing dissatisfaction between Hamas and Fatah is outlined in detail. A short time after the agreement to work together was made, current accusations of treason by each side have the organizations on shaky ground.

By Reem Abdellatif, freelance journalist It wasn't easy growing up as a teenage Muslim girl, with a father who thought he owned your body just because he put a roof over your head or food on the table. Not just that-this was a Muslim man who perverted the teachings of his own religion to justify. A very recent article.

The European Union is having some issues with Syrian refugees not staying in the country to where they first applied for asylum. This, and the ever growing number of Syrian refugees in Europe, has lead to a call to reform the Dublin Law. 

Human rights conditions are further deteriorating in Libya. These are not only Libyan citizens but as the article points out, refugees from other Middle Eastern countries who are seeking asylum in Europe.

The events from my previous post have led to growing doubts pertaining to the current peace talks as the government presses for control of Aleppo.

Donors are scared to fund NGO's in Egypt because of possible repercussions. There is currently a funding crisis due to this fear.

A closely watched indicator of Dubai's economic health on Wednesday revealed the first contraction of its private sector economy since the recession of 2009, underlining the growing impact on the city-state of low oil prices and global economic

This article discusses the growing suspicions that have risen from the Muslim Brotherhood. According to many, the Muslim Brotherhood has an active influence on the Obama Administration.

Ironically, the Muslim Brotherhood has come to be seen by some in the State Department as a force of moderation in contemporary Islamist politics. You should look at the recent New York Times op-ed criticizing Sisi for cracking down on the Brotherhood.

The article is about how many Austrian teens are running away to become ISIL fighters. A new way of Islamophobia is occurring in Austria.

Druze thought not taking sides in groups per say, remain loyal to their nation of Syria. Partitions or creating a free Druze state is not forseen by any Druze in the near future. "...the Druze's loyalty is to the national central state, not the religious statelets."

The fighting in Syria and Iraq has expanded and gained more foreign fighters from many more countries around the world. 

Saudi Arabia's oil minister claims expected annual growth by up to 1 million barrels per day

Russia and China once again veto a resolution that would have lead  to an investigation by the International Criminal Court (ICC) of Syrian governments possible violation of human rights, and international humanitarian law. This is the fourth time both countries have vetoed resolutions relating to the situation in Syria.