World | Middle East
Lawrence of Arabia bombed the Hejaz Railway. Syria wants it to run again.More than a century after Arab revolutionaries blew up the Ottomans鈥� prized Hejaz Railway, located in the geographic heart of the Middle East, Syria鈥檚 new government is pushing full steam ahead on its revival.
How Iran has gone from 鈥楧eath to America鈥� to nuclear talks with TrumpEven as the United States and Iran grapple with each other鈥檚 nuclear red lines, the simple fact of engagement underscores a pragmatic turn for Tehran regarding President Donald Trump.
Iran is boosting its enriched uranium stockpile, UN watchdog saysThe International Atomic Energy Agency聽says Iran has further increased its stockpile of uranium enriched to near weapons-grade levels.聽Saturday's report comes at a sensitive time as Tehran and Washington have been holding several rounds of talks over a possible nuclear deal that U.S. President Donald Trump is trying to reach.聽
Amid war, these Palestinians and Israelis say it鈥檚 imperative to talk peaceIsraeli and Palestinian peace activists are swimming against the tide, but they are not giving up.
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鈥榃e need to be optimistic.鈥� Syria鈥檚 only woman minister pushes for reform.Hind Kabawat, part of Syria鈥檚 23-member cabinet, feels hope for Syria鈥檚 future after U.S. and E.U. sanctions were lifted. Temporary schools and helping internally displaced people return are the top priorities for the government, she says.
US-Iran nuclear talks benefit from Trump鈥檚 desire for a peace dealAs complex and daunting a problem as Iran鈥檚 steadily advancing nuclear program may be, for now it still may offer President Donald Trump the best option for burnishing his self-image as a deal-maker and peacemaker.
War in Gaza asks Israelis what kind of state they wantAgainst the background of war in Gaza, Israelis face questions about their state鈥檚 identity and future.
As food trickles into Gaza, UN calls US-Israeli plan 鈥榲astly insufficient鈥�An Israel-backed food distribution plan that began in Gaza has left U.N. and other relief experts sidelined and harshly critical. Many Palestinians, desperate and nearing starvation, say the aid is out of reach.
Israel may change strategy on Gaza aid as concern over hunger crisis mountsAccording to a letter obtained by The Associated Press, Israel may let aid groups operating in Gaza take charge of non-food assistance, while leaving food distribution up to the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation.
Across Arab Mideast, a new alignment rises: An axis of cooperationA new regional alignment rising in the Middle East shifts power away from Iran鈥檚 鈥淎xis of Resistance.鈥� Moderate Sunnis seeking stability and prosperity now have friendly governments in Beirut, Damascus, and Baghdad.
As sanctions fall, long-suppressed Syrian economy is poised to take offAfter Syrian businesses toiled for years to turn a profit, the announced dropping of U.S. and EU sanctions is sweeping the country with rare optimism. The government鈥檚 intent to open the long-closed economy is another cause for hope.
Goals of Israel鈥檚 renewed Gaza offensive are unclear, even to IsraelisIsrael鈥檚 military operation in Gaza is facing increased opposition, abroad and at home. Yet even within the Netanyahu government, it鈥檚 unclear if the assault is focused on conquering territory or affecting negotiations.
Israel launches a new military operation in Gaza after Trump leaves Middle EastIsrael says the operation is intended to pressure Hamas to release remaining hostages and comes after U.S. President Donald Trump concluded his trip without a visit to Israel.
鈥榃e just want to live.鈥� Syrian farmers pay the price for Israeli power play.With Israel occupying slivers of additional territory in Syria, farmers find themselves cut off from the rest of their country and struggling to live on a geopolitical fault line between Turkey and Israel.
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