All Middle East
First LookProtests continue in Iran after hijab arrest results in deathProtests erupted in Iran after a young woman died in the custody of morality police, accused of wearing her hijab improperly. Women in Iran have since been seen displaying defiance of the regime鈥檚 increasingly violent treatment of young women.
First LookA farmer's shovel uncovers a rare ancient mosaic in GazaA Palestinian farmer discovered a rare and colorful mosaic that is being touted as one of Gaza鈥檚 greatest archaeological treasures. The discovery highlights the importance of protecting Gaza鈥檚 antiquities amid conflict with Israel, experts say.
Not gone, but forgotten? Syrian refugees struggle to move forward.An outpouring of generosity and compassion a decade ago created a refuge for Syrians fleeing civil war, offering them dignity and hope. What happens when the world鈥檚 focus moves on?
Water: Lessons in survival from a bone-dry landThere鈥檚 drought, and then there鈥檚 Jordan. Lacking water all the time 鈥� their country is the second-most water-poor in the world 鈥� Jordanians rely on resourcefulness to cope with a lack of resources.
First Look鈥楾his is not a revolution鈥�: sparks of civil war cool in IraqAfter days of gunfights with government forces in the streets of Iraq鈥檚 capital, forces loyal to Shiite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr began to withdraw after he called on them to stand down. Apologizing to Iraqis, Mr. Sadr says he does not support violence.
鈥楻evolution鈥� in Iraq? How Shiite cleric is testing a young democracy.In recent years, even established democracies have proven vulnerable under stress. In Iraq, despite the nascent system鈥檚 imperfections, it has served as political glue to the country鈥檚 disparate sectarian branches.
Gaza civilians face airstrikes with 鈥榞o-bags鈥� and comforting catsIsraeli airstrikes on Gaza reminded local residents how suddenly war can disrupt their lives. How do civilians prepare for and cope with that threat?
First LookIn Afghanistan, underground schools offer hope for girlsWith no sign the Taliban will reopen schools,聽parents are exploring other ways to keep education from stalling for a generation of young women. Although Taliban officials insist the schools will reopen soon, hardliners within the movement have thwarted the idea.聽
Their cup overflows: Why future is bright for Saudi coffee growersSaudi Arabia鈥檚 mountainous southwest is steeped in the culture of coffee cultivation. Officials hope the local brew, in demand in trendy Saudi cafes, is poised to make a splash around the world.
Iran nuclear talks progress, but is it enough to save the deal?President Obama said the 2015 Iran nuclear deal was built on verification, not trust. As governments examine the latest document agreed to by negotiators, the main obstacle to a renewed deal remains distrust.
First LookIn Afghanistan, Iran, and Pakistan, Shiite Muslims mark AshouraMillions of Shiite Muslims are marking the festival of Ashoura that commemorates the martyrdom of the Prophet Muhammad鈥檚 grandson, Hussein. In Taliban-run Afghanistan, security forces are on high alert for any violence that could mar the celebrations.
First LookIsrael and Palestinian militants reach cease-fire: Will it hold?Israeli aircraft have pummeled Gaza since Friday, while the Iran-backed Palestinian Jihad militant group has fired hundreds of rockets at Israel in response.
First LookFirst Ukrainian grain shipment lands in Lebanon, bringing hopeThe Razoni is the聽first ship to depart a Ukrainian Black Sea port since Russia invaded, disrupting food supplies in Africa and the Middle East.
First LookKabul chaos: Shiites bombed, Zawahri killing protests fill streetsA bomb killed eight people in the Shiite area of Kabul, Afghanistan, Friday. The attack has yet to be claimed but suspicions fall on the Islamic State group. Hundreds of Afghans also rallied to protest the U.S. drone strike that killed聽Al Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahri.
First LookDevastation in Gaza after new wave of Israeli airstrikesDays after the arrest of a senior Islamic Jihad leader, an Israeli airstrike descended on Gaza leaving at least 10 fatalities, Palestinian officials have announced. The strike left at least 55 others injured and was in response to an 鈥渋mminent threat,鈥� Israeli officials say.
Afghanistan mystery: Why was Al Qaeda鈥檚 leader in Kabul?The drone strike that killed Al Qaeda鈥檚 leader in Kabul reveals a lack of trust between the U.S. and Taliban. But was the Doha agreement broken, or were there just differing views on how to keep it?
First LookTwo decades after 9/11, bin Laden's deputy killed by drone strikeAl Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahri worked with Osama bin Laden to plan the 9/11 terrorist attacks and other high profile attacks on聽 U.S. targets. The CIA operation is a significant counterterrorism win just 11 months after President Biden withdrew U.S. troops from Afghanistan.
First LookAmid Iraqi power struggle, occupation of parliament has joyful airThe occupation of Iraq鈥檚 parliament by followers of a prominent Shiite cleric is fueled by demands for early elections, constitutional amendments, and the ousting of political opponents.
Democracy falls quietly in Tunisia, yet it reverberates around regionThe perceived failure of democracy to guarantee Tunisians both liberty and prosperity helps explain the muted response to the president鈥檚 authoritarian power grab.
First LookSyrians in Lebanon fear deportation, see Europe as beaconLebanon says it can no longer afford 1 million Syrian refugees on its soil because of its economic meltdown. The government plans on sending back 15,000 refugees per month, but many say they鈥檇 rather try to travel to Europe because Syria鈥檚 economy is in tatters.
