All Middle East
- One dead, 529 convicted: a story of judicial revenge in EgyptThe sentencing of 529 Muslim Brotherhood supporters to death for killing a police officer has drawn international criticism and rocked the town of Mattay. What happened on that night?聽
- Turkey bans YouTube as Syrian incursion plan is exposedTurkey has tried to stay out of the Syrian war, but a leaked recording shows officials planning a limited action. The government has blocked YouTube to halt the spread of the recording.
- What happens when Sisi, Egypt's hero, collides with Egypt's reality?Abdel Fattah al-Sisi announced his long-expected candidacy for president yesterday. He is wildly popular now, but Egypt's myriad problems could knock him down.聽
- After two hearings, Egyptian court issues death sentence verdict for 529 peopleToday's ruling follows the first mass trial of Muslim Brotherhood supporters. The defendants were convicted of attacking a police station in what was a three day trial.
- Why some Israeli settlers are willing to live in a Palestinian stateIsraeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has backed the idea, which could make implementation of a two-state solution more feasible. But some say it's a recipe for friction.
- Libyan Berbers pipe up after decades of forced silenceOne of North Africa's oldest communities, the Amazigh, are speaking up after decades of being banned from even teaching their language under Muammar Qaddafi.聽
- Happy Nowruz? Iran finds fault with Obama's new year greeting.Both President Obama and Secretary of State Kerry hit positive notes in their messages. But Iran's Supreme Leader Khamenei was critical of other elements.
- Turkey bans Twitter - and Turks make it trend worldwideTurkish Prime Minister Erdogan vowed to 'eradicate' Twitter after damaging leaks against him were disseminated on the platform.
- Behind Israeli strikes on Syria, a simmering battle with HezbollahIsrael bombed Syrian military targets in retaliation for IED attacks on Israeli troops, allegedly by Hezbollah. By targeting Syria, Israel sent a message that it holds Damascus responsible.
- Iranian newspapers drop their guardUnder Hassan Rouhani, Iran is developing a more open media climate in which reformist reporters no longer fear for their lives.
- Israeli Defense Minister: US trumped at 'Persian bazaar'Israeli Defense Minister Moshe Yaalon says Israel is on its own in facing the threat from Iran. Previously, he opposed a unilateral Israeli strike.
- The ExplainerIsrael's 'Jewish state' demand: Why Netanyahu and Abbas can't agreePalestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas meets with President Obama today. Israel's insistence that Abbas recognize Israel as a Jewish state is likely to be a point of contention.
- How one of Israel's worst schools rocketed to the topIn 2000, only 12 percent of Beit Jann鈥檚 students passed Israel's national exam. A determined principal and innovative nonprofit have brought that figure to 100 percent.
- Why Libya's promise of success never materializedDiplomats threw up their hands in despair after a meeting last week to discuss how to pull Libya out of its stalled transition.聽
- Seven years around the world: Journalist traces the path from EdenPaul Salopek, the man behind the Out of Eden project, walked into Jerusalem recently and talked with the Monitor about his epic adventure circumnavigating the world.
- EU visit to Tehran elicits accusation of political meddlingIranians see a meeting between the EU's top diplomat and rights activists as proof that the US and Europe will keep needling Iran, even if a nuclear deal is reached.
- Egypt's law comes to the aid of Mubarak's former croniesStrict application of the law got Ahmed Ezz, Hosni Mubarak's right-hand man, out of jail. But for thousands of faceless protesters, the law means little.
- In Turkey, teen's funeral becomes latest spark for antigovernment protestsThe death of a teenager injured by Turkey's police during last May's antigovernment protests has reignited unrest only weeks ahead of nationwide elections.聽
- Gaza militants fire rockets into southern Israel, snapping period of calmToday's attack by Islamic Jihad caused only minor damage but sparked widespread condemnation in Israel, which staged airstrikes in 2012 on the Hamas-ruled territory.
- Libya is not on the verge of bankruptcyLibya's government depends on oil revenue, which has slowed precipitously since militiamen took over the oil fields last summer. But there's no need to panic (yet).