All Middle East
First LookAfter Khashoggi, US aims to shield dissidents from Saudi threatsAs authoritarian regimes try to silence critics around the world, American authorities are working to protect dissidents in the U.S. from harassment and threats. Prosecution against a man who harassed critics of Saudi Arabia, most of whom are women, exemplifies that effort.
Ballroom dancing brings comfort, relief to Syrians during warIn Damascus, a dance studio helps Syrians cope with the dire political and economic situation caused by the 11-year war. Instructor Adnan Mohammed sees dancing as a welcome form of release.
Can Joe Biden build back the crumbling US-Saudi alliance?If President Biden can restore a trusting partnership with Saudi Arabia, it may come from each longtime ally honestly saying what it needs from the other.
Biden in Israel: A meeting of the (moderate) minds?Joe Biden鈥檚 meeting in Israel with Yair Lapid brings together leaders who embrace moderation, potentially opening the door to cooperation.
First LookUAE: Has fuel become too expensive even for its biggest producers?The Russian invasion of Ukraine has triggered soaring gas prices across the world, affecting even oil-rich countries like the United Arab Emirates. The price surge in the Emirates is an acknowledgement that not even oil producers are not immune to global market forces.
How a soccer program in Gaza heals woundsIn Gaza, a soccer program is guiding young amputees who, through determination, are regaining access to a game that was the object of their passion and a focus of their identity.
FocusWhat Saudi Arabia鈥檚 surge into a post-oil future means for its peopleProgress can come with a cost. Saudi Arabia鈥檚 drive to modernize its economy is transforming all facets of society, creating opportunities, and challenges, for its people.
First LookAfghanistan earthquake: Taliban asks for help, rescuers rush to aidA magnitude 6.1 earthquake struck in the Afghanistan鈥檚 mountainous east Wednesday causing wide-spread damage, with early reports of 1,000 lives lost. While many global humanitarian organizations recently pulled out of the nation, efforts are under way to send aid.
First LookIsrael dissolves parliament. Will Netanyahu return?Prime Minister Naftali Bennett announced Monday his decision to disband his coalition government and hold elections.聽鈥淭ogether, we got Israel out of the pit [of recurring elections]... We brought to center stage the values of fairness and trust," he said.鈥�
Diverse Israeli coalition made history. But has it been a success?The now-fraying Israeli government, formed a year ago, is a grand experiment in diversity and cooperation. Is that enough to leave a positive legacy?
Daisies and daggers: In Saudi mountains, garlands crown the braveDo beauty and bravery go together? As values they鈥檙e not opposite, if sometimes incongruous. But in the remote southwest corner of Saudi Arabia, their pairing makes perfect sense.
In Pictures: A taste of Afghanistan helps these bakers find home in IndiaIn India, these naanwais may have left Afghanistan behind, but they鈥檝e brought a slice of home with them.聽
Lebanese vote shows demand for change. But enough to build on?Lebanese elections showed gains by candidates promoting change. But most voters still backed sectarian parties, an indication of fear and fatigue.
CommentaryCourage seeking truth: Shireen鈥檚 lesson for younger journalistsShireen Abu Akleh, the Palestinian American journalist killed covering an Israeli military raid, was an inspiring pioneer and warm mentor.
First LookParade of world leaders to U.A.E. shows its global influenceFrench President Emmanuel Macron was the first of many to arrive this weekend to pay their respects to the nation's late ruler, a聽sign of Abu Dhabi鈥檚 influence in Western and Arab capitals.聽
What鈥檚 drawing the US back into Libya? Ukraine, Russia, and oil.What many Libyans want is democracy and stability. What they have is oil. Can the U.S. play the role of mediator, or has war in Ukraine made its motives suspect?
First LookTaliban order Afghan women to cover up head to toeTaliban rulers on Saturday ordered all Afghan women to wear head-to-toe clothing in public 鈥撀爐he latest in a series of repressive edicts, not all of which have been implemented.
This take on women鈥檚 independence packs a (peppery) punchThe spicy condiment harissa, a valued staple in Tunisia, created an opportunity for rural women to work together to gain security, equity, and independence.
First LookJordan, once fertile, is pushing back as desert encroachesIn Jordan, one of the world's driest nations, local organizations are planting native species and working with herders to revitalize once fertile land. A U.N. report out Wednesday warns urgent action is needed worldwide to prevent further land degradation.
Jerusalem erupts: Why Israeli, Arab bid to thwart violence fell shortIsrael and its Arab partners, eager to avoid Jerusalem clashes during Ramadan and Passover, nevertheless neglected to address a Palestinian hunger for a political solution.
