Israel has discovered enormous offshore fields of natural gas in the past few years. Will these discoveries make the country a major supplier to its neighbors and improve regional relationships? Michael Hochberg discusses current deals, obstacles, and opportunities.

Paul Salem explains why Lebanon's parliament has been unable to select a new president after a month of failed attempts in this short video interview. He also discusses the short and long term obstacles to political reform in Beirut, and what that means for a nation weathering the storm of the Syrian conflict next door. Read also: Scenarios of Change and Possibilities of Reform in Lebanon

In this MEI Policy Paper, Mona Alami addresses the Syrian war's effects on Lebanon against the backdrop of exacerbated sectarian tensions and political-religious instability. In addition to a discussion of the recent rise of Lebanese Salafis and jihadis, Alami provides recommendations that Lebanese groups and the Lebanese government can act upon to mitigate the crisis.

Frédéric Volpi argues that Abdelaziz Bouteflika's win in the Algerian presidential elections will entrench the status quo and allow regime elites to find a suitable replacement for him via the soon-to-be-created position of vice president.

Hepatitis C (HCV), a blood-transmitted virus attacking the liver, counts nearly 12 million Egyptians as its victims. Preventing the spread of the disease is straightforward, but awareness is key. Maria Golia reports on Egyptian state, private sector, and civil society programs combating the epidemic.

In the post-Mubarak period, relations between Israel, Gaza, and Egypt have shifted. Geoffrey Aronson argues that Hamas now finds itself in dire straits as Egypt has turned its back on it, Fatah hopes to overtake it, and Israel only wants to prevent its total collapse to maintain security.