All Middle East
- Few Israelis, Palestinians see two-state solution as feasible. What鈥檚 the alternative?A new Zogby poll reveals widespread disillusionment with the Oslo Accords. Here鈥檚 a look at some other potential scenarios being discussed.
- Desperate for peace, Syrian rebels tear up playbookThe Syrian opposition group's charter forbid direct contact with the Assad regime. Now it's trading accusations face-to-face at peace talks in Switzerland.聽
- Far from Syria peace talks, rebels focus on gaining groundA rebel victory in the strategic town of Qusayr would challenge the regime's narrative of a failing, divided opposition. The rebels' effort appears timed to gain clout in negotiations.
- Loyalty to Assad runs deep on Syrian coastAmong residents in the port city of Tartous, a regime stronghold, President Assad is seen as the only leader who can keep extremists at bay in Syria.
- Dueling opinions aired at Syrian peace talksTalks that began Wednesday in Switzerland saw fiery exchanges by rival parties that underscored the dim prospects for a political end to Syria's civil war.
- As another car bomb rocks Lebanon, rockets fly along a frayed borderRockets are flying in Lebanon's Bekaa Valley, adjacent to the Syrian border, with some apparently being fired from Syria, making the border feel increasingly irrelevant.
- Iran won't be at Syria talks. So what?As a key backer of the Syrian regime, Iran may have leverage over President Assad that few parties can claim. But the UN has revoked its invitation to the Syria peace talks this week.
- Iran halts most sensitive nuclear work, triggering US, EU sanctions reliefThe IAEA confirmed that Iran stopped production of uranium enriched to 20 percent, a precursor to negotiations for a final nuclear deal.
- Briefing: What's behind Iraq violence?It's not strictly an Al Qaeda resurgence or a deep religious hatred: It's Syria, and it's politics.
- In Damascus, devastation and normalcy are only 15 minutes apartIn rebel-held areas of Damascus, buildings are in ruins and people go hungry. In regime areas, stores sell imported chocolates and the streets are swept clean.
- As Hariri tribunal opens, another car bomb rocks LebanonThe trial of Hezbollah members accused of killing former PM Rafik Hariri comes at a fraught time. As prosecution presented evidence in a Dutch courtroom, a car bomb went off in Lebanon.
- Away from spotlight of Syria aid conference, a murkier fund driveKuwait pledged $500 million to aid efforts today. But it is also a major hub for funneling money to anti-Assad fighters, including brutal foreign extremists.
- Lebanon tribunal makes risky bid to try Hezbollah for Hariri killingBy putting Hezbollah members on the stand, the Special Tribunal for Lebanon, which is investigating former leader Rafik Hariri's assassination, could topple a delicate political balance.
- In Turkey's ancient capital, developers put profits before preservationA corruption investigation rocking Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan has revealed Istanbul's urban heritage as a victim of rapid development that enriched political insiders.
- Maliki calls for world's help as bombs rock IraqToday's bombings come on top of ongoing violence in Iraq's Anbar Province, where Al Qaeda-linked fighters have tried to take over cities.
- Palestinians rally for besieged brethren in Syria's Yarmouk campAt least 28 Palestinians have died in Yarmouk refugee camp outside Damascus, which has been blockaded since July by Syria's government.
- Egyptians vote 'yes' in referendum - but what are they approving?A resounding approval of Egypt's new constitution will be seen as an endorsement of a military government that has waged a systematic crackdown on dissent.
- What Syrian rebel infighting means for AssadThe Syrian rebels' battle against Al Qaeda-linked ISIS has distracted them from their fight against the regime. But when the rebels refocus on Assad, they could be stronger than ever.聽
- Small crowds, but plenty to say about former Israeli leader Ariel SharonFew Israelis turned out to bid former prime minister Ariel Sharon farewell, but his departure has generated a flurry of commentary on his mixed record as a leader.
- Iran nuclear deal: It's the hurdles, not the pact, that matterThe agreement reached Sunday between Iran and world powers merely formalizes the November Geneva accord. But it's notable that they defied fierce US congressional opposition.聽