All Middle East
First Look'City of culture': Lebanese actor finds new role restoring theatersActor and director聽Kassem Istanbouli is leading the effort to restore abandoned theaters in Lebanon and reimagine the country鈥檚 image against sectarian violence. His latest project, Cinema Empire, is the last of five historic cinemas in the once cinema-rich city of Tripoli.听
First LookCan Israel succeed as mediator between Russia and Ukraine?Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett made a surprise trip to Moscow Saturday. Israel hopes to be a mediator in the Ukraine conflict by leveraging its ties to Russia and the United States.
鈥楩or me, this is personal.鈥� Some in Israel join Ukraine鈥檚 defense.The war in Ukraine is motivating Ukrainian-born Israelis to drop everything and join the fight. That others are volunteering speaks to the universal values at stake.
First LookWhy Gazans are rushing to brush up on their HebrewThe number of Gazans studying Hebrew has quadrupled in some places as Israel allows more Gazans to cross the border into Israel for work. The easing of restrictions is part of a larger effort to cool tensions after the Gaza war in May 2021.
First LookHow a Kuwait yoga retreat emerged as a flashpoint for women's rightsConservative politicians are pushing back against a feminist movement and what they see as an unraveling of Kuwait's traditional values amid chronic government dysfunction.
Aiding US on Afghanistan and Ukraine, tiny Qatar sees its star riseWith its record of diplomacy and help in solving problems, including Ukraine, the Gulf Arab state of Qatar won Joe Biden鈥檚 recognition as a key U.S. ally.
First LookBetween Gaza-Israel, Egypt tries to solidify itself as mediatorEgypt has quietly tried to negotiate a truce between Israel and the Hamas group for years, including contributing to a Gaza ceasefire last May. But the silent peacemaker has now gone public with its role in the region offering widespread assistance in rebuilding the territory.听
For Arab Israelis left out of tech jobs, a new code: InclusionThe wild success of the Israeli tech sector has mostly excluded young Arab workers. New moves seek to correct that inequity, with benefits to all.
As US battles ISIS, many in Syria take their cue from AfghanistanIf the U.S. sought to signal strength and resolve with its anti-ISIS raid in Syria, it is still battling the legacy of its exit from Afghanistan.
First LookDemocracy dims as Tunisian president attacks judiciaryTunisian President Kais Saied announced聽over the weekend he intends to dissolve the country鈥檚 top court. The move has met condemnation from the U.N. and human rights groups but more muted opposition domestically, where many see the court as corrupt.
In Tunis, artisans and residents rally to rescue treasured old cityResidents of Tunis鈥� Medina have faced adversity before, but the pandemic economy was threatening lasting damage. Their solution: to band together.
First LookTop ISIS leader killed during a US special forces raid, Biden saysAbu Ibrahim al-Hashimi al-Qurayshi, leader of the Islamic State group聽group, died during U.S. special forces air raid in Atmeh, Syria.听ISIS has been trying for a resurgence in the region, including an attempt to seize a prison holding at least 3,000 ISIS detainees.
Storefront history: Amman museum celebrates lost art of signageWhen computer designs replace handmade art, is something lost? In Amman, a museum of calligraphers鈥� old-time store signs celebrates their artistry.
For Afghanistan鈥檚 new enemies of the state, a life in hidingHow do the Taliban鈥檚 foes survive in Afghanistan? A story of Afghans living in sheltered anonymity, protecting their physical selves 鈥� and their pasts.
Unemployed Tunisians gave strongman a chance. Where are the jobs?Multiparty politics wasn鈥檛 creating solutions in democratic Tunisia. Now unemployed youths are impatient with the populist strongman they embraced.
Long neglected, Afghan villagers look to outside world for aidVillagers in Afghanistan鈥檚 remote rural areas have always suffered government neglect, and the Taliban are not expected to act any differently.
鈥楴o one has food鈥�: In bleak Afghan winter, a fight for survivalWith Afghanistan facing the confluence of Taliban rule, a collapsed economy, and a winter of growing hunger, a search for the human face of the crisis.
End the draft? In Israel, some mourn what would be lost.Advocates of national service say it creates social cohesion. As support rises in Israel for a volunteer army, some worry about losing the draft鈥檚 unifying role.
Can Arab Gulf states entice Iran to cut a new nuclear deal?After a dramatic shift in Arab Gulf states鈥� thinking, they suddenly may have the most to offer Iran to bring about compromise on a nuclear deal.
First LookIn Egypt, businesswomen use an ancient system to stay afloatThe pandemic has hit small businesses around the world hard. But in Egypt, a traditional lending system has been turned into an app. 鈥淕ameyas,鈥� community-based lending programs, are helping female entrepreneurs聽pay off loans and get a fresh start.
