All Middle East
First LookLebanon saves Syrian refugees from sea, hands over to Syrian armyA boat carrying more than 200 migrants sank off the coast of Lebanon on New Year鈥檚 Eve. All but two of the passengers were rescued, but they were taken to the Syrian border and handed聽over to the Syrian army.聽
First LookFemale athletes in Afghanistan face new opponent: Taliban ruleNoura had always been an all-star athlete until the Taliban barred Afghan women from playing sports. Many women and girls who once played sports have been intimidated into submission through visits to their gyms, warning phone calls, and detainment.
Together they can: In Palestinian village, a model of self-sufficiencyFrom homegrown food to home improvement, a West Bank village is blending a cooperative tradition with modern volunteerism to enhance its autonomy from Israel and the inefficient Palestinian Authority.
First LookIranian actor jailed for supporting protests has been releasedTaraneh Alidoosti, one of Iran鈥檚 most famous actors, was among several celebrities to post messages in support of the anti-government protests. She was jailed for nearly three weeks for her support but has now been released on bail.
How Egyptians face a food crisis: With creativity ... and half a loafHow much can a belt be tightened? In Egypt, families are cutting back, shrinking portions, and creatively trying to ensure their families are fed amid Ukraine war food prices and soaring inflation.
First LookNetanyahu takes office, remains on trial for corruption, fraudAfter being ousted last year, Benjamin Netanyahu was sworn in again as prime minister Thursday for聽his sixth term as Israel's leader.
Far-right coalition in Israel sparks furor over education and valuesThe naming of a religious anti-LGBTQ extremist to a new education post is roiling the public over fundamental questions of Israeli identity and Jewish values.
First Look'Is being a girl a crime?': Taliban closes university doors to womenThe Taliban have banned female students from private and public universities in Afghanistan in its latest edict cracking down on women鈥檚 rights and freedoms in the country. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the decision.
First LookArgentina wins World Cup. Messi led team with assists as well as goals.Argentina鈥檚 victory Sunday brings Europe鈥檚 run of four straight World Cup winners to an end. Lionel Messi led with assists that were as memorable as his goals during the tournament.
How to defy an authoritarian? In Tunisia, election is a battle cry.Confronting the autocratic Tunisian president鈥檚 plans to put a weakened parliament firmly under his thumb, opposition groups are putting aside differences. Their tools are limited.
On banks of the River Jordan, an interfaith haven is plannedJordan鈥檚 Hashemite royal family, custodians of the baptism site, hope the complex will be more than just a center for 海角大神 pilgrims, but a showcase for interfaith harmony.
First LookTourists return to Bethlehem for Christmas history, photos, souvenirsThe Christmas season is peak time for tourism in the historic city of Bethlehem. For the past two years, the number of visitors have plummeted due to the pandemic, but now the city is busy again as tour groups and holiday activities return.
Gulf leaders find new partner in China, challenging US dominanceFor decades Washington has been the unquestioned patron and protector of its allies in the Gulf. Now the Gulf states want to diversify their ties: Enter China.
Jordan has a plan to retain nation鈥檚 youth 鈥� can they sell it?Nearly half of Jordanians say they鈥檝e considered leaving for economic opportunities elsewhere. Can a new employment plan slow brain drain?聽
First LookAre Iran鈥檚 protestors gaining ground? It鈥檚 hard to tell.Iran鈥檚 chief prosecutor has reportedly said that the country鈥檚 morality police has been shut down. And some efforts may be underway to address protestors鈥� demands. But details remain unclear.
In Israel, an inspiring political model that ... failedAn alliance of sworn political enemies managed to work together to govern Israel. They got things done 鈥� and now have been voted out.
Amid swirl of violence, Palestinians wonder: Where are their leaders?As Palestinians see deaths mount in an especially violent year, their leadership appears absent, even as it curtails the people鈥檚 freedom to seek an alternative government.
First LookAncient strikers: Falconry still has grip on World Cup host QatarIn a country now know for oil riches, international business, and glittering skyscrapers, a history of falconry stands out even amid World Cup hype. At a market in Doha, Qatar, falconers flaunt their prized birds to locals and droves of soccer fans alike.聽
First LookWalled defense: Archeologists in Iraq use mudbricks to slow erosionIn Iraq鈥檚 ancient Babylon, climate change has led to salty groundwater that is corroding some of humanity鈥檚 oldest monuments. Archeologists are using low-salt mudbricks made by a local artisan to preserve sites once considered one of the world鈥檚 wonders.
As Egypt hosts COP27, human rights advocates seize their opportunityEgyptians backed military rule in return for stability and prosperity. Years later the new Egypt offers mostly hardship, and repression of dissent is widespread.
