All Middle East
Does new law tilt Israel away from its democratic values?For decades, Israel's leaders have sought to preserve a balance between its dual identity as a Jewish, but also democratic, state. A new law, say critics, has upset that balance.
Did Turkey end its state of emergency or make it permanent?Sustained security threats, real or imagined, can harm democracy. In Turkey, President Erdogan ended a two-year state of emergency, but its contribution to his tight grip on power may be lasting.
First LookUS, allies set to evacuate Syrian 'White Helmets' away from Russian-backed forcesThe United States, Britain, and Canada will lead an evacuation for Syrian civil defense workers trapped in southwest Syria as the Syrian Army appears to be gaining ground and could likely target the Western-backed White Helmets.聽
First LookIsrael passes bill defining country as Jewish nation-stateOpponents argue the bill marginalizes Israel鈥檚 Arab minority, however, the Israeli government argues the bill merely enshrines into law Israel's existing character as a Jewish state.聽
For stressed African migrants in Israel, collective farms offer a refugeA government plan to expel thousands of African refugees elicited an emotional response from many Israeli Jews 鈥� and the idea that kibbutz members could host at-risk families.
First LookIn Syria, ex-rebels and government enter era of uneasy 'reconciliation'As government forces reclaim rebel held territory, the military and former fighters are beginning what some call a "reconciliation" process but others consider a humiliating surrender.
How US stance on Iran could raise price of peace in LebanonFor any country, what does achieving domestic tranquility cost? In Lebanon, the triumph of Hezbollah has brought relative calm but pushed the country further into the US-Iran line of fire.
In rediscovered reed flute, a soulful link to Jordanian identityMusic speaks to our souls and our individual and collective identities. How much more so when the music comes from the soil under our feet? And how unfortunate, then, would it be to lose it?
Syrian civil war, on Israel's doorstep, brings swirl of changing attitudesWars bring horror, and Syria鈥檚 war is no exception. But in the desperate fight for survival, myths can be smashed, and that sets the stage for sometimes surprising changes in thinking.
First LookSome Syrians return home although risks remainThousands of Syrians stuck at the border of Jordan are returning home after government forces reclaimed previously rebel-held territory. But those returning have concerns about safety or being detained or drafted into the Syrian Army.聽
Iran protests: why Rouhani's foes are backing off their hard line
Into dark cycle of Mideast revenge, this group tries to bring lightSocial media can make activism as easy as the click of a mouse. Our reporter accompanied a group whose more demanding mission is to console the victims of Israeli-Palestinian violence in person.
First LookIranian nuclear enrichment signals resistance to US sanctionsThe Atomic Energy Organization of Iran reopened a plant that converts yellowcake 鈥� an ingredient that can be used in nuclear power plants or atomic bombs 鈥� into gas, calling attention to the uncertain future of the country's international nuclear deal.聽
First LookSmall group of Syrian refugees in Lebanon head homeThe rare case of returns comes as Lebanese officials increasingly encourage refugees to return to areas where violence has decreased. More than 1 million Syrians live in Lebanon. UN officials and others, however, say it is still not safe for refugees to return to Syria.聽
First LookIran bans over 1,300 imports amid protests over its plunging currencyIran is preparing its economy to resist threatened US sanctions, slapping the聽import ban on 1,339 goods that could instead be produced within the country.聽
First LookSaudi Arabia鈥檚 'driving ban' is finally liftedAlthough most women still do not have driver's licenses, some say the June 24 lifting of the restriction is a foot-in-the-door toward increased women's rights across the country. Ultraconservatives, however, argue that women聽behind the wheel will lead to 'sin' and sexual harassment.聽
Turkey election: Does Kurdish leader jailed as 'terrorist' hold the key?Turkish President Erdo臒an has tried mightily to consolidate power, imprisoning foes as 'terrorists' in authoritarian fashion. But the democratic impulse in the country is still strong.
Vote-buying in Turkey? Price is high, satisfaction not guaranteed.A $5.5 billion social benefits package that likely will stress Turkey's economy is being interpreted as a sign that President Erdo臒an and his party could be in trouble in upcoming elections.
Islamist and feminist: A new generation stakes its claimCiting the Quran and demanding their rights, devout Muslim women are asserting their status as feminists. But they face opposition from some Islamist men and secular women.
First LookAfghans finish month-long march for peaceHundreds of Afghans marched across the country during the month of Ramadan to advocate for peace. The country has been at war for four decades, and Afghanistan's citizens are weary of violence, says marchers.聽
