All Middle East
A weakened Iran and a flexing America maneuver in run-up to pivotal talksU.S.-Iran talks set for Friday were briefly canceled, then revived at the urging of Arab governments. But the two adversaries鈥� preferred agendas are very different. Does each side have a realistic grasp of what is at stake?
As US forces build in Middle East, Trump and Iran are locked in a staredownAmassing military forces and bolstered by Iran鈥檚 perceived vulnerability, President Donald Trump says 鈥渢ime is running out.鈥� Replying with threats of its own, the Islamic Republic is trying to restore its deterrence.
A US-backed Israel-Syria deal seems close. Why Israel has lingering concerns.President Donald Trump is pushing hard for a security deal between longtime U.S. ally Israel and emerging partner Syria. But Israeli suspicions, and concerns for Syria鈥檚 Druze and Kurds, are complications.
After thousands died in crackdown, Iran is trying to change the narrativeAmid an internet blackout, Iran is blaming outside 鈥渁gents鈥� and 鈥渢errorists鈥� for the death toll. Says one rights lawyer, such 鈥渄enial and distortion鈥� has been heard before.
Syria鈥檚 army is dimming Kurds鈥� dreams of autonomy, as the US looks onAfter a lightning military advance in northeastern Syria, Damascus is demanding that the Kurdish-led SDF, a key U.S. ally in the fight against ISIS, agree to integrate into the national army. The United States has thrown its support behind a unified Syria.
Soggy tents, freezing children: Harsh winter taking a toll on GazaIn Gaza, winter has been an added hardship for displaced Palestinians, particularly the tens of thousands living in tents and pushed alongside the windy and frigid coast. Tents are too few, and too flimsy.
In Iran, witness accounts of atrocities counter regime claims of calmA brutal Iranian crackdown has appeared to quash most protests, and officials are seeking to portray a sense of 鈥渘ational solidarity.鈥� But images and witness accounts of shocking 鈥渁trocities鈥� are accumulating and painting a different picture.
New Gaza governing committee meets, a step forward for fragile ceasefireFormation of the apolitical Palestinian committee, which met for the first time in Cairo, follows months of low-level conflict and unfulfilled pledges that have threatened the Israel-Hamas ceasefire. In Gaza, it was greeted with skepticism and hope.
In Iran, shah鈥檚 1979 fall echoes in today鈥檚 protestsThe historic protests in Iran have become increasingly deadly. They鈥檙e also showing more parallels with another uprising nearly 50 years ago.
Gulf powers fall out over Yemen. At stake is cooperation over Gaza and Syria.A spat over Yemen has quickly spiraled into what is being called a diplomatic 鈥渄ivorce鈥� between Saudi Arabia and the UAE, both of which are vying to lead the Middle East into a new era of stability and cooperation.
Seeing an 鈥榚xistential鈥� struggle, Iran cracks down hard on protestsA harsh crackdown is under way in Iran as leaders see a current wave of antigovernment protests as a threat to the regime. The protests began as economic in nature but have been fueled by anger over years of failed state policies.
First LookIranian protests intensify amid blackout and crackdownTehran warned demonstrators could face death-penalty charges, while President Donald Trump said the U.S. 鈥渟tands ready to help鈥� protesters.
Dissent at home, threats from abroad. Iran faces 鈥榳ar on two fronts.鈥�Iran鈥檚 leaders are juggling chronic economic malaise 鈥� caused by years of mismanagement, corruption, and U.S.-led sanctions 鈥� with a growing expectation of military conflict with Israel or, following President Donald Trump鈥檚 threats, the United States.
In Israel and Iran, officials talk of war. How does that suit their interests?Israel鈥檚 and Iran鈥檚 defenses are still vulnerable after the June war, so why is their leaders鈥� rhetoric so bellicose? The rationale for renewed hostilities still exists, but both governments also have an interest in deflecting dissent.
Across the Middle East, a focus on home, healing, and restored hopeTaylor Luck, the Monitor鈥檚 Arab world correspondent, has a broad assignment, covering his beat with a close eye on and attentive ear to the events, thoughts, and moods prevalent in the region. He has been an integral part of our coverage of the war in Gaza 鈥� which, as he notes, takes a toll on the journalists involved 鈥� and of the new Syria unfolding before his eyes. His wide travels in the region this year are convincing him that there is cause for hope this season, welcome news for sure.
Discovering God in Hamas tunnels, hostages led a national trendThe long ordeal of hostages held in Hamas tunnels since Oct. 7 has led to a rise in religious belief among Jewish Israelis. One hostage notes: 鈥淕od will always listen. He does not get tired.鈥�
In Lebanon, Hezbollah鈥檚 true believers are battered, yes, but unbowedHezbollah has been weakened by Israel and is under pressure to disarm. But its Shiite supporters express pride in their sacrifice and look forward to revenge. And for the militia, says one analyst, keeping its arms is 鈥渆xistential.鈥�
Gaza families wait ... and wait for answers about missing loved onesGaza families search for their missing family members, trusting that clues such as scraps of clothing and rumors will be the key to unlock the mystery
Attack on US forces in Syria tests anti-ISIS mission and warming tiesSyria鈥檚 need to rapidly reconstitute its security forces has left them vulnerable to infiltration by former rebels with jihadist sympathies at the very time that President Ahmed al-Sharaa has been cultivating ties with the U.S.
鈥楩inding a window of hope鈥�: Lebanon鈥檚 community holds strong amid ceasefireDuring the war between Israel and Hezbollah, Lebanese people crossed sectarian lines to offer one another food and shelter. A year after a shaky ceasefire took hold, how is that community spirit enduring?
