All Middle East
Syria: When a 鈥榲ictory鈥� isn鈥檛 one, what are the costs?If there鈥檚 a lesson from Assad鈥檚 victory in Syria鈥檚 10-year war, it might be: Winning at all costs can exact a terrible price.
First LookPope Francis calls on Iraqi 海角大神s to forgive Islamic StateOn the last day of a four-day visit,聽Pope Francis urged Iraq鈥檚 海角大神s Sunday to forgive Muslim extremists and to rebuild.
First LookPope and top Shiite cleric in Iraq deliver message of coexistenceTwo religious leaders sent a message of peace.听鈥淭he greatest blasphemy is to profane [God鈥檚] name by hating our brothers and sisters,鈥� Pope Francis said.
Why Saudi Arabia (still) tests limits of US influenceWhy didn鈥檛 the U.S. take stronger action over the Khashoggi killing? One reason: Saudi Arabia sees itself as an equal partner in the alliance.
The ExplainerSyria, after 10 years of conflict: No war and no peaceSyria鈥檚 biggest battles have quieted, but a decade into the conflict, the tabulation of inhumanity and suffering is far from complete.
FocusCan a new generation change Palestinian politics?Young Palestinians prioritize replacing out-of-touch leaders, even before achieving national independence. Will upcoming elections bring new blood?
Vaccine nationalism? Why Jordan includes refugees in rollout.As nations distribute their COVID-19 vaccines, Jordan is taking the approach that until the most vulnerable are protected from the virus, no one is.
Nuclear deal? In Iran, a campaign over who can take credit.The promise of prosperity is a positive motivator. But that doesn鈥檛 make Iran鈥檚 debate over a return to the landmark nuclear deal any less of a brawl.
A killing in Kabul 鈥� and a face I knewReporters make human connections. For the Monitor鈥檚 Scott Peterson, a 鈥渟tatistic鈥� from a tragic Kabul story took on a sense of personal loss.
How Orthodox defiance of pandemic lockdowns is cleaving IsraelThe unequal enforcement of pandemic lockdowns is creating a 鈥渨atershed moment鈥� as Israelis confront an ultra-Orthodox 鈥渟tate within a state.鈥�
As Ethiopia fills its Nile dam, regional rivalries overflowMediators have pointed three Nile nations toward agreement on water issues surrounding Ethiopia鈥檚 dam, but power politics is acting as a spoiler.
Afghanistan: Has Biden inherited defeat in America鈥檚 longest war?Joe Biden may seek to invigorate what appears to be a hollow Afghanistan peace process. But Donald Trump left him little room to maneuver, or succeed.
First LookIn a wrecked economy, some Lebanese turn to Hezbollah for loansAs more Lebanese fall into poverty during the country鈥檚 economic crisis, increasing numbers are turning to the financial arm of the Hezbollah militant group for help, despite criticism and U.S. sanctions levied against it.
Peace dividend? Emirati joins fight for Israeli soccer club鈥檚 soul.The Israel-UAE normalization deal has added a new player in Israeli soccer鈥檚 battle against anti-Arab racism among Beitar Jerusalem鈥檚 fans.
First LookBaghdad hit by suicide bombings for first time in three yearsTwin suicide bombings struck a bustling commercial area in Baghdad, killing at least 32 and wounding dozens. The rare bombing occurred amid heightened political tensions over early elections and a severe economic crisis.
Israel is a vaccination leader, but it labors to reach Arab citizensIsrael鈥檚 lauded immunization campaign must overcome Arab citizens鈥� mistrust, which exacerbates their doubts about the COVID-19 vaccine.
Talk or fight? In Afghanistan, signs Taliban now prefer victory.Whether the Taliban are serious about negotiating peace is a question that has dogged U.S.-backed Afghanistan talks since their inception.
End of yearslong Saudi-Qatar feud reunites families, and a regionThe Saudi blockade of Qatar came at a high personal and economic price for Gulf residents. In its wake is a new appreciation for regional cooperation.
Pandemic education: How Jordan鈥檚 tech platform bridges divisionsJordan鈥檚 remote learning platform has proven robust in spreading opportunity to students during the closure of classrooms.听
In remote hilltop town, new pride in a biblical empireResidents of the Jordanian town of Busayra don鈥檛 know if they are descended from the Bible鈥檚 Edomites. But the history is their inheritance.
