All Middle East
First LookThousands of Israelis march to illegal settlement amid rising tensionIsraeli ministers led thousands to a West Bank settlement, defying global opposition to settlement-building. Recent violence led to the killing of both civilians and international tourists.聽
Ramadan in Jerusalem: How a shining moment of serenity was lostFor several days, almost defiantly, Jerusalem enjoyed the fruits of diplomacy. But extremists exploiting the Passover-Ramadan season once again incited violence that radiated out to a tense region.
First LookWith China as broker, Iran and Saudi Arabia take a step toward peaceIran and Saudi Arabia, long-time rivals in the Middle East, have restored diplomatic ties and agreed to economic cooperation during a meeting in Beijing.聽This agreement could aid in resolving conflicts in the region, such as the war in Yemen.
Letter from Jerusalem: In a holy week, city parades its better selfEaster, Passover, and Ramadan are coinciding amid Israeli-Palestinian tensions. Yet the joy and harmony seen in Jerusalem鈥檚 streets creates a feeling that this is the city鈥檚 defining character.
First LookStrike and mass protests in Israel halt rollout of judicial planIsraeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is stalling his judicial overhaul plan after two days of intensifying protests against it. He said Monday he wanted to seek a compromise and take a 鈥渢imeout for dialogue鈥� with his political opponents.
First LookAmid crisis, Netanyahu fires his defense chief, and protests eruptTens of thousands of prodemocracy demonstrators poured into聽Israel鈥檚 streets Sunday night in a spontaneous outburst of anger after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu abruptly fired his defense minister for challenging a judicial overhaul plan.
Tears, a tissue, and iPhone photos 鈥� an Afghan softens a Turkish heartThe Turkey earthquake disaster has magnified anti-immigrant sentiments. A respectful conversation in a taxi between an Afghan and a Turk defused it.
First LookWhy Kurds are the biggest beneficiaries 20 years after Iraq WarIrbil, a Kurdish city in northern Iraq, has transformed in the past 20 years with wide U.S.-style highways lined with fast-food restaurants and real estate offices. The conflict between the U.S. and Baghdad benefitted the Kurds more than anyone else.
First LookUS in Iraq: What remains 20 years after the invasion?The U.S. invaded Iraq 20 years ago this week and currently maintains a consistent presence of roughly 2,500 soldiers scattered throughout the country. These troops are deemed essential to demonstrate commitment to the region and as a safeguard against Iran.
First LookIraqi youth find strength in identity, 20 years after fall of HusseinAfter the 2003 U.S.-led invasion of Iraq toppled dictator Saddam Hussein, struggling families fleeing violence felt hemmed in by barricaded communities. Twenty years later, Baghdad residents now feel safer, and young people feel emboldened by their story.
Difference Maker鈥極ur right to dream鈥�: Why Emad Hajjaj draws on despite threat of arrestDespite risk of arrest, political cartoonist Emad Hajjaj believes holding up a mirror to Arab society is a responsibility 鈥� and a laughing matter.
Israeli protesters: 鈥楾raitors鈥� and 鈥榓narchists鈥� or best and brightest?Among the Israelis protesting the government鈥檚 proposed judicial 鈥渞eforms鈥� are members of two groups prized by Prime Minister Netanyahu: the high-tech sector and military veterans. Does that give protesters leverage?
First LookIran and Saudi Arabia reestablish ties in 'dialing down of tensions'After years of tensions, Iran and Saudi Arabia have agreed to reestablish diplomatic relations and reopen embassies in an effort to support regional stability. China brokered the deal amid perceptions the U.S. is slowly withdrawing from the Middle East.
Cover StoryEgyptian archaeologists hold their own history in their handsFor decades, as archaeologists dug into the history buried in the Valley of the Kings, Egyptians were laborers, never discoverers. Not on this dig.
First LookEmpathy without borders: Israelis crowdfund to help PalestiniansAfter Israeli settlers torched the Palestinian town Hawara, an Israeli-led fundraising campaign collected hundreds of thousands of dollars to help Palestinians. 鈥淭he majority of the Jews are against extremism, against racism," said fundraiser聽Yaya Fink.
Coffee without end: Oasis village tests limits of hospitalityHow generous is too generous? In the Saudi oasis village of Jubbah, where doors are never closed, a hospitality that once served as a lifeline for desert travelers pushes guests鈥� capacities to the limits.
Diplomacy vs. violence: Israeli-Palestinian talks face immediate testJordan hosted the highest-level Israeli-Palestinian talks in years, but violence, hate speech, and leadership woes are exposing the limits of traditional diplomacy in polarized times.
First LookIraq builds hope and peace, 20 years after ousting Saddam HusseinIraqi President Abdul Latif Rashid says he wants the world to know that his country now is at peace, nearly 20 years after the overthrow of Saddam Hussein. While rebuilding its economy and agriculture, Iraq still faces weak infrastructure and corruption.
First LookTensions spike with deadly Israeli raid in the West BankIn a rare daytime raid in the occupied West Bank,聽Israeli troops on Wednesday targeted聽the city of Nablus, a scene of frequent military activity. More than 50 Palestinians have been killed in the West Bank and east Jerusalem since the start of 2023.
Green spring in Saudi Arabia? It鈥檚 the season of the grass-hoppers.How far would you go for a picnic? In Saudi Arabia, for travelers from near and far, rare desert blooms after perfectly timed winter rains offer much-needed greenery, tranquility, and joy.
