The Pulse of Political Islam

Having been around for more than 90 years, the Muslim Brothers continues to extend its influence across the Sunni Arab world, to varying degrees.

The White House is mulling whether to designate the Brotherhood a terrorist organization, but that could roll back American influence in the Middle East in more ways than one.

While Sudan's protesters want more, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and the UAE could benefit greatly from the coup.

The Khashoggi slaying appears to have given Ankara an ace up its sleeve in its rivalry with Riyadh. And Turkey will choose carefully when it decides to play its hand.

Despite their contentious relationship, reconciliation may be on the horizon, driven by the need to contain their common rival: Iran.

For four years, Tunisia's political system has been kept from the brink of collapse by an alliance between two former rivals. But now that they've parted ways, the government will enter a new era of instability.

Cairo and Doha are putting aside some long-running feuds to prevent the Israeli-Palestinian turmoil from escalating into a full-blown war.

Neither the Afghan government nor the Taliban -- each unpopular in their own way -- have been able to expand their support beyond their centers of power. And military force alone isn't likely to break the deadlock.

For the vast majority of practicing Muslims, Ramadan is a peaceful, spiritual affair. However, some jihadists will use the month of fasting as an excuse to plan and execute violent acts.