All Middle East
First LookAfghan band rocks on despite discriminationThe four rockers who make up the band Arikayn are Afghan refugees, whose struggles mirror those of millions of other Afghans who have fled to Iran. While they face discrimination, they continue to create music they love and to perform both in Iran and in Afghanistan.聽
What's behind Saudi Arabia's summer of discontent?Saudi Arabia's young and powerful crown prince has billed himself as a reformer, modernizer, and liberal. So the kingdom's summer of jailed activists and a feud with Canada is a puzzlement.
First LookIn the rebuilding of historic Cairo, residents fear loss of livelihoodThe Egyptian government is razing crumbling parts of Cairo, but longtime residents say they're not being treated fairly. Their challenges raise the question: How can Cairo rebuild responsibly without leaving its history, and people, behind?
First LookAs Taliban attacks continue, questions raised about US plan for peaceAs the Trump administration increases military pressure to push the Taliban into peace negotiations, the terrorist group has been ramping up attacks, highlighting the vulnerability of Afghan security forces.
Can fighting corruption help Arab states sell painful economic reforms?The need to address corruption in the Arab world is urgent. But if new initiatives are simply politically expedient 鈥� as many citizens suspect 鈥� they risk only fueling distrust and suspicion.
Lebanon's hashish equation: If farmers gain, does Hezbollah lose?Add Lebanon to the list of societies contemplating legalizing cannabis. The indebted nation could benefit financially, but legalization could create complications for Hezbollah, which draws recruits from Lebanon's poor hashish-growing region.
First LookIranian coffee shop empowers disabled people, combats prejudicesIn Iran, where the unemployment rate is currently 12.5 percent, work is hard to find 鈥� especially for those with disabilities. But one coffee shop in Tehran is providing new opportunities for people with down syndrome and autism.聽
First LookTrump says sanctions against Iran reinstated for 'world peace'The reinstated sanctions target financial聽transactions involving US dollars, Iran's automotive sector, the purchase of commercial airplanes, and metals, including gold. The stiff sanctions increase pressure on Iran and have been met with disapproval from European allies.聽
In Israel, tiny Druze minority galvanizes opposition to nation-state lawIsrael鈥檚 Druze, a minority within a minority, are respected by Israeli Jews for their military service and loyalty to the state. Now they are in the vanguard of a fight for equal rights and democracy.
First LookUS-backed coalition cut deals with Al Qaeda in YemenThe Saudi-led coalition has been paying off Al Qaeda聽militants to retreat, claiming victories without disclosing payment deals, according to an Associated Press investigation. The compromises run the risk of strengthening the terror organization.聽
First LookWhite House assembles Middle East policy team to rollout peace planPresident Trump's Middle East policy team is soon to roll out, headed by聽Jared Kushner and Jason Greenblatt. The team will be responsible for Mr. Trump's Israeli-Palestinian peace plan, a delicate diplomatic venture that would need to unite a divided Middle East.
Has US misread the Iranian street?Recent street protests over Iran's economy seem to suggest the country could be vulnerable to outside pressure. But Iranians say the White House has miscalculated, resulting in increased unity instead.
In Jordan, UN tries helping refugees find a missing piece: communityAmid the global refugee crisis, it's easy to forget that people who have left everything need more than just the basics of food, clothing, and shelter. To create new lives, community is vital.
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.
