All 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.
First LookIran 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.
First Look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.
First LookIsrael 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.
First LookIsrael 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.
In Mideast, Trump finds his comfort zone: Business first, then policyPresident Donald Trump鈥檚 Mideast agenda indicated that business would take priority. Yet the outlines of an emerging Trump foreign policy are visible.
As Trump visits Mideast, Netanyahu鈥檚 government is wary of surprisesWhen Donald Trump was reelected, Benjamin Netanyahu鈥檚 social media posts overflowed with cheer. But comments from Israeli coalition members and supporters indicate a sense they鈥檙e being abandoned.
Kurdish militants say they鈥檒l disarm in favor of politics. Will Turkey respond?Kurdish and Turkish statements indicate both sides recognize the limits of violence. Yet the PKK says an expected quid pro quo from Turkey is recognition of Kurdish political and cultural rights, which is not assured.
First LookHamas says Edan Alexander, last live American hostage in Gaza, to be releasedHamas says it's ready to 鈥渟tart intensive negotiations鈥� for a long-term truce that includes ending the war, exchanging prisoners, and solving Gaza rule.
Despite deal with US, Yemen鈥檚 Houthis have lots of fight leftYemen鈥檚 Iran-allied Houthi rebels reached a ceasefire with the United States. But analysts say they are already in rebuilding mode.
Israel鈥檚 government wants to take over Gaza. The public has increasing doubts.Israeli government plans for to take Gaza require a massive reservist call-up. But new polls show a plurality of Israelis oppose expanding the war.
