All Middle East
First LookIran nuclear talks: Diplomats sound notes of cautious optimismIran鈥檚 chief nuclear negotiator on Saturday sounded optimistic about sanctions being lifted. But other diplomats were more cautious about progress at the talks.聽
First LookBlame for Israel's deadly stampede arrives at Netanyahu's doorPowerful ultra-Orthodox politicians reportedly pressured Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to lift attendance restrictions at a religious festival.
Saudi-Iran detente: What rivals鈥� dialogue could mean for Middle EastThe Saudi-Iran rivalry may be moving from a not-so-cold war of proxy battles to a cool peace of potential cooperation. The region stands to benefit.
First LookAfghan women ponder dreams and fears with return of TalibanWith U.S. troops leaving Afghanistan by September, many young women are worried about losing their rights and freedom if the Taliban returns as part of the new government.
Afghanistan has changed. What if exiled Taliban have not?If the ideologically rigid Taliban return from exile to take some power, if not all, in Afghanistan, what lies in store for the changed country?
First LookWatchdog says Israeli treatment of Arabs amounts to apartheidHuman Rights Watch has published a 213-page report condemning Israel for the international crimes of apartheid and persecution.聽Palestinian citizens, 20% of the population, face widespread discrimination in housing, land access, and basic services.聽
Another pandemic Ramadan in Jordan, but cannon鈥檚 boom is a balmPandemic lockdowns have interrupted holidays across the world. This Ramadan, Jordan is reviving a high-decibel tradition as a sort of audible comfort.
First LookNegligence blamed for massive blaze at Iraq hospitalRelatives searched for loved ones Sunday after a fire killed 82 people. Officials said the blaze began with an exploding oxygen cylinder.
Why Iran nuclear talks are moving ahead, despite Israeli attackRetaliate or negotiate? After the bombing at its nuclear site, Iran seemed to have a tactical choice. Doing both indicates a commitment to diplomacy.
US renews Palestinian ties with a tight focus: Helping peopleThe Biden administration says its renewed aid to the Palestinians is consistent with U.S. values and interests. But does it provide a path to peace?
First LookIran to enrich uranium by 60% yet wants relief on sanctionsAfter the latest attack on its nuclear facility, Iran said Tuesday it will begin enriching uranium up to 60% purity, up from 20%. This comes amid Iran鈥檚 nuclear talks with world powers to get relief on sanctions in exchange for limiting its uranium enrichment.
Afghanistan: Can Biden dodge failure and forge his own peace?Perhaps, in Afghanistan, success is the absence of failure. President Biden is trying to preserve both U.S. interests and Afghan progress.
First LookMuslims worldwide celebrate a second Ramadan in lockdownRamadan 鈥� a time for fasting, worship, and gatherings 鈥� begins this week. Although regulations vary, there is concern that Ramadan celebrations could spark a surge in COVID-19 cases.聽
First LookIran says Natanz nuclear facility was sabotaged. Was it Israel?Iran on Sunday described a blackout at its underground Natanz atomic facility an act of 鈥渘uclear terrorism.鈥� Suspicion fell immediately on Israel.
First LookOn Clubhouse, Arabs debate taboo topics 鈥� for nowHundreds of thousands of people in the Arab world are turning to Clubhouse, the fast-growing audio chat app, to debate sensitive and controversial topics. But concerns are mounting that the open space could soon come under government scrutiny or censorship.
First LookIn Egypt, women fight sexism and harassment with Thai boxingYoung women in Egypt are pushing for change in a country where they have long felt unsafe and disadvantaged. One group has taken up Thai boxing, which has empowered them to fight back against sexual harassment and violence.
It doesn鈥檛 happen here: Why 鈥榗oup plot鈥� in Jordan sent shock wavesJordan is a key U.S. ally and an important regional facilitator. Which is why just the hint of a destabilizing 鈥渃oup鈥� sent tremors far and wide.
First LookTrial underway: Five questions about Netanyahu's political fateAs Benjamin Netanyahu鈥檚 corruption trial begins, he鈥檚 also 鈥� separately 鈥� at risk of losing his position as Israeli prime minister. After inconclusive national elections, Israel鈥檚 parliament is trying to form a governing coalition, and it鈥檚 not clear if he鈥檒l be included.
First LookJordanian prince: A case of sedition or simply dissent?Jordanian authorities said Sunday they stopped a 鈥渕alicious plot鈥� by a former crown prince 鈥� King Abdullah鈥檚 half brother 鈥� to destabilize the kingdom.
First LookUS and Iran to begin indirect talks on nuclear programIn the first major step since the U.S. pulled out of an 2015 Iran nuclear accord, both the U.S. and Iran have agreed to resume negotiations. The participants in the accord, which include the E.U., China, and Russia, will meet in Vienna next week.
