Palestinians

A serial loss of regional allies, serious financial difficulties, internal squabbling, and inability to build up its military capabilities have all weakened Hamas, leaving it vulnerable to potential unrest in Gaza.

The ultimate question that preparatory talks are designed to answer is whether both sides are serious about reaching an agreement.

From media conspiracy theories to flooded smuggling tunnels, the Brotherhood's failed tenure in Egypt held nothing but bad news for Hamas.

The uptick in Sinai attacks since Morsi's ouster has raised political and security concerns that may force Egypt's military to assert itself in the peninsula.

The Muslim Brotherhood's ouster in Egypt is a gain for Abbas and a loss for Hamas, improving the odds of talks with Israel but not of bridging the deep Palestinian divide.

Despite the Turkish leader's strong desire to visit Gaza, his proposed trip faces serious complications that likely entail further postponement.

Abbas's chosen candidate will boost Fatah's profile in the near term, but international donors will ultimately judge the new premier based on how he handles fiscal transparency, economic stewardship, and security cooperation.

Tzachi Hanegbi, member of the Knesset, Likud, and former Israeli minister of intelligence, addresses The Washington Institute's 2013 Soref Symposium on May 9, 2013.

The political wrangling that effectively forced Fayyad to step down raises serious questions about the PA's economy, security cooperation, and political transparency, as well as U.S. efforts to revive the peace process.