All Middle East
- UN nuclear inspectors throw a bone to 'Trust Iran' campIran has assured skeptical diplomats that it is slowing its nuclear work. The latest report from the UN nuclear agency backs them up.
- Assad offensive near Homs sends Syrians fleeing to LebanonSince the offensive began on Feb. 10, more than 10,000 refugees have sought refuge in Arsal from the fighting in the strategically important Qalamoun region.
- Can Shakespeare rescue Syria's 'lost' generation?A famous Syrian actor arrived at Zaatari refugee camp in Jordan with a plan for helping kids who've missed years of school: Put on a play.
- Feeble turnout by Libyan voters points to deep disillusionmentLibya held elections today for a constitution-drafting committee that will chart a path for a post-Qaddafi future. Few cared enough to turn out at the polls.
- On trial in Egypt, Al Jazeera journalists struggle to cut through the noiseThree Al Jazeera journalists arrested in December made their first court appearance today. They are accused by authorities of belonging to a terrorist organization 鈥 the Muslim Brotherhood.
- Rebels' grip on border region weakens under Syrian Army assaultLosing Qalamoun would be a blow, cutting off access to smuggling trails and the highway connecting Homs, Damascus, and the coast.
- US portrayal of ongoing nuclear talks rankles IranA senior Iranian official says that comments portraying ongoing negotiations as more of a win for the US than Iran is creating problems in Vienna.
- Abbas hosts largest gathering of Israelis in Ramallah since 2002Israelis are prohibited from entering Palestinian-controlled areas of the West Bank. But an exception allowed 300 young Israelis to visit Palestinian President Abbas in Ramallah Sunday.
- Iraq's Sadr, lion of Shiite poor, quits politics. Boon for Maliki?Muqtada al-Sadr's militia was among the biggest threats to US troops early in the war, and his party has been a powerful Shiite force. His withdrawal from politics comes just months before elections.
- Iran and world powers gear up for more nuclear talksIran will sit down with the US and other world powers tomorrow in Vienna to discuss curtailing its nuclear program in exchange for lifting sanctions. Progress is far from guaranteed.
- Is Al Qaeda about to expand the 'field of jihad' to Lebanon?It hasn't happened yet, but support for Al Qaeda and similar movements is growing among Lebanon's Sunni community as the country's Shiite Hezbollah fights on behalf of Bashar al-Assad.
- Rouhani's campaign of hope and change collides with Iran's realitySix months into his presidency, Hassan Rouhani is struggling to placate supporters who are disappointed with the slow pace of reforms.
- FocusEuropean boycotts begin to bite, catching Israel's attentionFor years, boycott efforts in Europe seemed to be only symbolic gestures. But several major efforts announced in the past year, including one by the EU, are raising alarm.
- Iraq strains under largest internal refugee crisis since height of warFighting between Iraqi security forces and militants in Anbar Province has sent hundreds of thousands of Iraqis fleeing, threatening areas where instability is already rising.
- Tunnel closures send Gaza unemployment to highest levels since 2010Gaza's economy has been devastated by Egypt's crackdown on smuggling tunnels that provided 50 percent of the territory's commercial goods.
- Egypt makes big economic push as leader-in-waiting Sisi courts RussiaRussian President Putin praised Field Marshal Sisi's leadership when he visited Moscow this week. But if the Egyptian economy isn't revived, its leaders may face another revolt.
- Why Jerusalem renters are wary of the Messiah's arrivalMany Jerusalem rental contracts include the unusual stipulation that if and when the Messiah arrives, tenants must move out so the landlord can move in and enjoy the ensuing paradise.
- Olympic challenge: Watching the Sochi Games from JerusalemNBC coverage doesn't reach me here and the only free broadcasting is on Ugandan iTunes.
- Syria peace talks resume as fraught humanitarian cease-fire ends in HomsThe agreement to establish cease-fires to allow aid delivery was the sole accomplishment of the last round of Syria peace talks, but the first mission in Homs was marred by violence.聽
- Among Iran's 'True Believers,' an enduring faith in martyrdomIranian hardliners see their devotion to martyrdom as the reason Iran has outlasted decades of pressure and covert war. But the ideology's resonance is waning among many Iranians.聽