All Middle East
First LookAfghanistan talks near an end, but Taliban attacks continueA U.S. envoy says an Afghanistan peace deal is just a presidential signature away from final approval, even as the Taliban ramps up attacks.聽
Why Iran and Israel are crossing each other鈥檚 red linesOutside pressure from the U.S. that upset the tense Israel-Iran equilibrium could explain why the enemies are increasing the pressure on each other.
First LookFracturing coalition, Yemeni government blames UAE for attackYemen's government accused the United Arab Emirates of an airstrike on its troops, which may spell the end of a fragile coalition led by Saudi Arabia.
What debate over modern education tells us about a divided TurkeyThe internal dispute over Turkey鈥檚 national identity explains the broad criticism of a new wave of educational reforms.
First LookIsrael attacks drones in Syria: A pattern of U.S.-Iran tensionsIsraeli fighter jets attack targets in Syria on an almost weekly basis, including on Saturday night, to thwart a planned Iranian drone strike.
Why Saudi-UAE alliance is cracking: Yemen, Iran, and TrumpRecent shifts in the prolonged Yemen conflict show how the Trump-friendly Saudi-UAE power relationship, a bulwark against Iran, is fraying.
In Afghanistan, weaving ancient industry back into global marketAs Afghanistan seeks to restore full ownership of its carpet industry, merchants talk of the soul captured in the modern versions of this ancient art.
What Russian deal? Israel and Jordan cast wary eye toward Syria.Israel and Jordan are disappointed with a Russian security deal that hasn鈥檛 stopped Hezbollah from entrenching itself in southern Syria.
First LookWhat's behind the clash at Jerusalem holy site?Palestinians gathered at the Al-Aqsa mosque compound Sunday, and later threw stones at police after they allowed Jewish visitors to enter the site.聽
Talking in Qatar, bombing in Kabul. How to explain the Taliban?What does the Taliban鈥檚 鈥渇ight and talk鈥� approach signal about the durability of an Afghanistan peace deal?
Checkbook diplomacy? How Qatar鈥檚 renewed US ties reshape the Gulf.President Trump鈥檚 鈥渢ransactional鈥� diplomacy has created competition among Gulf Arabs for U.S. support. Qatar has taken advantage.
Why Syria is signaling refugees they're not all welcome homeThe hardship endured by millions of Syrian refugees, one of the main human costs of the civil war, is outlasting the conflict.
First LookAfter years of war, signs of renewal in Syria's ancient bazaarIn Aleppo, markets that have stood since the 1300s are slowly being repaired. Once a hub for Syrians and tourists, shop owners hope for their return.
First LookNew law allows Saudi women to travel without male consentSaudi Arabia ends its guardianship policy, loosening restrictions on women's rights. Now women can apply for passports, register marriage and births.
Kibbutz in the city? The healing mission of Israel鈥檚 new communes.With a modern pioneering zeal, a new generation is reinventing the kibbutz idea, moving to development towns and disadvantaged cities around Israel.
鈥楾he wheels of time will not turn back鈥�: Saudi women eye new freedomsInsiders say the kingdom is set to allow women to obtain passports and travel abroad 鈥� the core part of the so-called male guardianship system.
First LookAfghan children follow parents to work as hardships continueEducation in Afghanistan remains a luxury for many families. Despite billions in aid from the U.S. and its allies, more children are participating in manual labor to help keep their families afloat.
Behind Iran spy drama, a broader escalationThe timing of Iran鈥檚 declaration today that it captured 17 Iranians last year who were trained by the CIA signals a renewal of the US-Iran covert war.
First LookIran taunts British with videos of tanker ship seizureIran released video and audio recordings of the seizure of the HMS Stena Impero, suggesting聽Britain's once mighty Navy was unable to save the ship.
First LookLebanese lose faith in politicians as economy faltersThe public has grown distrustful of the political class widely considered corrupt and steeped in personal rivalries. Taxes, utility bills, and prices have increased in recent years while income has stagnated.
