All Middle East
Town by town, Assad regime retakes southwestern SyriaThe battle for the last major rebel-held town in Qalamoun looms after a five-month campaign. A regime victory would afford it uninterrupted control of southwestern Syria.
Syria's latest battle: The PR fight over sanctuary for 海角大神sSince taking over the Armenian town of Kessab, the Syrian opposition has tried to show it, too, can protect minorities.聽The regime is determined to disrupt the effort.
Turks' faith in the ballot box faltersFor decades, Turkey's elections have been considered largely free and fair. But irregularities in last week's provincial and local elections have undermined one of the remaining trusted institutions.
From Israel, strong signs this round of Mideast peace talks is overIsraeli concessions to extend already limping peace talks with the Palestinians beyond the end of this month seem very unlikely.
Fighting Syria spillover, Lebanese troops deploy in Bekaa ValleyThe Syrian civil war has been aggravating sectarian tensions in Lebanon, and creating room to operate for kidnappers and smugglers. The Lebanese army is trying to get control of the situation.
In Morocco, reporting about terrorism is akin to inciting itAli Anouzla, a聽leading Moroccan journalist, and his news website Lakome聽are under fire for linking to an Al Qaeda propaganda video. Anouzla says it is an excuse to silence a government critic.
In Lebanon, 1 million Syrian refugees live on $1 a dayThe UN registered Lebanon's 1 millionth refugee today. The organization is struggling to keep up, with only 14 percent of its funding needs for 2014 met.聽
Safe in exile, Egypt's Muslim Brotherhood leaders now risk irrelevanceBritain is investigating whether Muslim Brotherhood members planned terror attacks in Egypt from London. After months in exile, Brotherhood leaders have little connection to events on the ground.聽
Why some hail the unraveling of Israeli-Palestinian peace effortsMany Palestinians, as well as some Israelis, support President Mahmoud Abbas's refusal to keep talks brokered by US Secretary of State John Kerry going after months of inaction.
After two decades in prison limbo, released Palestinian rebuilds his lifeKhaled Asakreh was released seven months ago, after 22 years in an Israeli prison. Another batch of veteran Palestinian prisoners is awaiting release as part of John Kerry's peace efforts.
Erdogan's critics fear crackdown after Turks deliver his party a victoryTurkish Prime Minister Erdogan's party triumphed in yesterday's local elections. Within hours, the websites of news outlets linked to a political rival went down.
Gingerly, Iran begins to rock outIn 2008, Iran banned all pop music. But a recent female solo performance signals growing freedom in a country where heavy metal musicians have been told to stay seated on stage.
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.
