All Middle East
First LookIran to exceed uranium stockpile limit as nuclear deal continues to stumbleIran will soon exceed the stockpile limit set by the 2015 nuclear deal, and is nearing weapons-grade enrichment. World leaders are striving to find improved terms for the deal, which unraveled after the U.S. pulled out to pursue sanctions.
Difference MakerFor Afghan midwife, saving women鈥檚 lives is a lifelong passionWomen鈥檚 health, education, and power are still advancing in Afghanistan. This midwife has opened doors to play a valuable role.
First LookOil tanker incident stokes concerns over US-Iran relationsThe U.S. Navy believes two tankers were targeted in a suspected June 13聽attack near a key oil trade route. The incident comes a month after the U.S. alleged Iran perpetrated a similar attack, and some fear escalating tensions in the region.
How horrors in Sudan undermined US trust in its top Arab alliesAmerica鈥檚 Gulf Arab allies back Sudan鈥檚 military. But after a horrifying massacre, the U.S. has had to dispatch a top diplomat to 鈥榗lean up their mess.鈥�
FocusCan religious tolerance help an aspiring Muslim power?As the United Arab Emirates asserts itself as a rising Gulf power, its tradition of religious tolerance toward non-Muslims is emerging as an asset.
First LookIran frees detained US residentNizar Zakka, an internet freedom advocate, was detained in Tehran in 2015. Mr. Zakka, who has been released to his native Lebanon, was accused of being an American spy and sentenced to 10 years in prison. Motivations behind his release remain unclear.
American University in Kabul: Wielding soft power, in an age of warIn Kabul, a U.S.-funded university offers students a perspective-changing liberal arts education, a counterpoint to the destructive Afghanistan War.
Finding humanity in dangerous places 鈥� a reporter's storyIf you鈥檝e been a Monitor reader for a while, you are probably aware that spinning through the heart of this organization is the pursuit of stories that find hope and humanity even in seemingly hopeless places 鈥� such as war-torn Syria where Dominique Soguel has found ways to penetrate the violence to discover people who possess boundless resilience and strength of spirit.
In Netanyahu鈥檚 Israel, concern for a democracy pushed to its limitsBenjamin Netanyahu鈥檚 efforts to preserve his position in the face of corruption charges have heightened concerns for Israel鈥檚 democracy.
Ramadan culture takes a fashionable turn, straining budgetsAround the Arab world, a steady rise in Ramadan consumerism is putting a premium on appearances, straining many budgets.
First LookIraq's controversial Green Zone will soon be open to the publicU.S. soldiers and Iraqi officials have protected a 4-square-mile zone as an oasis from conflict, but Iraq's prime minister plans to open it to the public.
Truce crumbles in Syria鈥檚 last refuge, and residents fear the worstA Russian-Turkish agreement that has kept a tense peace in Syria鈥檚 Idlib province has failed, and Bashar al-Assad鈥檚 forces are advancing.
First LookNetanyahu's future in jeopardy as Israel heads to snap electionsAfter 10 years in office, Benjamin Netanyahu looked certain for another term as prime minister. Now Israel faces an聽unprecedented聽repeat election.
Afghanistan鈥檚 stalemate: 鈥榯alking and fighting鈥�A Taliban spring offensive and a U.S. and Afghan government counteroffensive have created yet another obstacle to talks to end the war in Afghanistan.
Mideast peace plan鈥檚 rocky start: Did US misread Arab politics?The Palestinians have rejected an invitation to an economic conference in Bahrain. That bodes ill for Trump鈥檚 Mideast peace plan.
In this desert town, no traveler goes hungry, even in RamadanFor centuries, Maan, Jordan, the last oasis before 500 miles of scorching desert, has made it a mission to feed pilgrims and travelers.
First LookDrones attack Saudi oil facilities as Mideast tensions riseYemen's Houthi rebels claimed a coordinated drone attack on the kingdom. The latest string of attacks reflects the increasing risks for shippers as Iran's nuclear deal with world powers unravels.聽
The ExplainerSanctions, threats, deadlines: How the Iran nuclear deal is faringA year after the U.S. withdrew from the multilateral Iran nuclear deal, it鈥檚 under increased pressure. How close is it to unraveling?
On Memorial Day, an Israeli-Palestinian experiment in reconciliationOn Israel's Memorial Day, a shared ceremony between Israelis and Palestinians is a controversial but growing experiment in reconciliation.
War without end in Gaza: Why Israeli army is battling the governmentIsrael鈥檚 military leaders are frustrated that their advice on the seemingly endless war in Gaza is being ignored by their political masters.
