All Middle East
Palestinian prisoner deaths cause a spark, but unlikely to start a blazeIsrael and Gaza both have an interest in keeping the calm that has prevailed since a November cease-fire.
World powers expect Iran to be ready for progress at next nuclear talksWorld powers say that Iran has signaled it is ready to 'engage seriously' on a proposal to limit its nuclear development at P5+1 talks that begin tomorrow in Kazakhstan.聽
When Egypt's satirists poke fun, public prosecutor hits backThe case of Bassem Youssef, the Egyptian satirist accused of insulting Islam and the president, has exposed what seems to be a series of politically motivated investigations into government critics.聽
How much is a nuclear program worth? For Iran, well over $100 billion.According to a new report, keeping Iran's condemned nuclear program going has already cost Tehran more than $100 billion in lost oil revenue and foreign investments alone.- FocusFor Egypt's rich, a touch of irrational exuberanceWhile the overall economic picture for Egypt is a gloomy one, a tiny, fabulously wealthy class remains that continues to prosper despite the grimmest economic conditions in decades.
FocusBread riots or bankruptcy: Egypt faces stark economic choicesEgypt needs IMF money to stay afloat, but the international lender is demanding tough subsidy cuts from an already-embattled government.
Palestinian anger builds as another prisoner dies on Israel's watchThe death today of a Palestinian in Israeli custody sparked protests, rockets, and prisoner riots only weeks after a similar situation prompted murmurs about a third intifada.聽- At a West Bank seder, Jews commemorate a modern quest for freedomFor Jews living in the West Bank, a Passover seder is an opportunity to discuss how one of history's most famous liberation stories can apply to freedom struggles today.聽
Tit-for-tat kidnappings bring Syria's war into Lebanese backyardsIn northern Lebanon, the kidnapping of a member of the powerful Shiite Jaafar clan has created yet another arena for Sunni-Shiite tensions fomented by Syria's unrest.
Iraq's 海角大神s face hardship, but peaceful Easter also highlights promiseWar and persecution by newly empowered Islamist forces drove Iraq's 海角大神s away, halving the population of the once-thriving community. But a new 海角大神 leader vows to rebuild.
In the Holy Land's columns, frescoes, and desert palaces, Herod the Great lives onKing Herod is best known to 海角大神s for trying to kill the infant Jesus. But he also left his mark with stunning architectural achievements, as seen in a new exhibit at the Israel Museum.
Yemen's victory: Getting everyone in the same room - with no swords drawnEven if聽Yemen's ambitious national dialogue conference聽fails to resolve crucial issues like constitutional reform, it can declare success simply for getting Yemenis to talk to each other.
Iran's support for Syria still appears strong - but is it hedging its bets?Even as it continues to provide military support to the Syrian regime, staunch ally Iran is making preparations for life after President Assad.聽
Islamist militancy quietly makes inroads in post-revolution TunisiaTunisia has been spared most violence since ousting its longtime dictator. But Islamist extremism is growing, and young Tunisian men are heading overseas to fight.
Too much of a good thing? Palestinians realize downsides of foreign aid boomWith food insecurity soaring and GDP declining, Palestinians in the West Bank are waking up to the fact that their foreign aid dependent economy is unsustainable.聽- Ancient Iraq yields fresh finds for returning archaeologistsA British archaeologist, back in Iraq for the first time since the 1980s, has unearthed a palace or temple near the ancient city of Ur that is 'breathtaking' in size.
Report: Sanctions may be speeding Iran's nuclear advancementInterviews with Iranian officials and others reveal that tough sanctions are hurting Iran's economy 鈥� but may also be encouraging defiance by a regime more worried about any appearance of capitulation.
Behind Turkish-Israeli reconciliation, concerns about SyriaThe deal will help rebuild intelligence links between Turkey and Israel. The Turks do not want to be caught off guard by any use or transfer of chemical weapons in nearby Syria.聽
Settlements, not solutions, top agenda for new Israeli governmentWith pro-settler and right-wing parties holding key ministry posts in the new Israeli government, the two-state solution President Obama praised last week may only grow more distant.
Syria fires on Lebanon: Lebanese seethe, government mumSyria's heavy influence over Lebanon tempers government reaction to cross-border attacks, but Lebanese near the border don't feel the same constraints 鈥� and their patience is waning.
