All Middle East
Iran votes: How apathy and anger are fueling leaders鈥� uneaseAs Iranians head to the polls Friday, an increasingly dejected citizenry, and insecure leadership, are lowering projections for turnout.
First LookNetanyahu promises over 5,000 new homes in East JerusalemEmboldened by President Donald Trump's support and new Mideast plan, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu聽appears to be charging ahead with construction. On Thursday, he announced plans for a "mid-sized city" in an area Palestinians want for themselves.
Can 鈥榣ow-bar鈥� US-Taliban deal clear Afghanistan鈥檚 high hurdles?In Afghanistan, distrust and suspicions abound, but the U.S. and the Taliban are embarking on another search for a deal to end America's longest war.
First LookCommercial flights resume in Aleppo, symbolic amid warAfter the city fell into rebel hands in 2012,聽domestic flights between the country's largest cities were grounded. President聽Bashar al-Assad has reopened the airport this week as government forces consolidate control in Idlib province, the last rebel-held areas.聽聽
First LookNetanyahu corruption trial to begin amid national electionsBenjamin聽Netanyahu is charged with bribery, fraud, and accepting lavish gifts in exchange for regulatory favors.聽The timing of the March 17 trial against Israel's longest-serving prime minister could weaken his ability to form a new government.聽
Libya: Why Arab world is scrambling to join multinational conflictLibya鈥檚 oil and resources tempt outsiders. But at stake for the Arab world in Libya鈥檚 war is also the struggle between democracy and autocracy.
Annexation: What it means for Israel, the Palestinians, and peacePerhaps the most explosive idea in President Trump鈥檚 Middle East peace plan is that Israel could unilaterally annex portions of the West Bank.
First LookIraq's new PM: A credible path to progress amid street protests?On Sunday, some protestors rejected Iraq's new prime minister Mohammed Allawi. But Mr. Allawi is backed by Muqtada al-Sadr, a powerful Shiite cleric.
In Trump plan, Arab Israelis see assault on their identityArab citizens of Israel have long occupied a delicate position straddling two worlds. Now the Trump peace plan is seen as challenging hard-won gains.
Trump鈥檚 Mideast 鈥楧eal鈥�: Four questions on who gets whatPresident Trump came into office promising a plan for Mideast peace. After three years, we get a look at his vision for Israelis and Palestinians.
First LookYemen sees sudden spike in violence, threatening peace talksBack-channel negotiations between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis stirred hopes for agreement but renewed violence has rattled the political process.
First LookSyrian troops capture strategic rebel-held townSyrian government's capture of rebel town in Idlib province聽is the latest military triumph for聽President Bashar al-Assad amid the ongoing civil war.聽
Need art to hang in your tent? Get thee to Cairo.The wall art and other furnishings for sale in Cairo鈥檚 Souk Al Khayamiyya, or tent-makers market, tell the story of Egypt鈥檚 rich past.
First LookUS-Iran tensions provide comeback opportunity for ISIslamic State attacks increase in Iraq and Syria amid rising tensions between U.S. and Iran since the killing of Iranian general Qassem Soleimani.聽
Why Trump鈥檚 Mideast splash is causing barely a ripple in Arab worldThe Palestinian cause once united the Arab world. So why is the imminent announcement of Trump鈥檚 鈥減eace plan鈥� not eliciting a regional outburst?
First LookUnclaimed mortars start fire at US Embassy in BaghdadThe nighttime attack marks the third strike on the U.S. Embassy this month, as violence erupts between Iraqi protesters and security forces.聽
First LookU.S. peace plan: Will it help Netanyahu win Israeli election?President Trump's Palestinian-Israeli peace plan was rejected by Palestinians. But could it help Netanyahu win the March 3 Israeli election?
Why Egypt鈥檚 President Sisi is rushing to embrace nation鈥檚 youthIf Egypt鈥檚 youth is indeed its future, providing for young people鈥檚 needs is sound policy for an autocratic president mindful of past instability.
First LookLebanese banks hold deposits hostage, face angry protestorsAmid a severe financial crisis, people speak out against humiliating, unlawful controls imposed by banks on cash withdrawals and money transfers.
As Iran and Iraq simmer, giants of Shiite world vie for influenceThe separation of religion and state is splitting the Shiite world, pitting the supreme leader of Iran, a theocracy, against Iraq鈥檚 grand ayatollah.
