All Middle East
FocusIn Baghdad, Iraqis embrace return to normalcy, with eye on its fragilityThe differences are striking: Blast walls are coming down and streets are reopening as Baghdad sheds the visual reminders of war's long grip. But is it enough to just wish peace into existence? Iraqis are keeping an eye on ISIS, but the fatigue with fighting and yearning for normalcy are changing the face of the city.
In rural Jordan, pulling power from the wind to make change on the groundIn southern Jordan, our correspondent found a rural area that felt neglected by the government and had been the site of sustained protests not many years ago. Today it is the site of a commercial wind farm, an innovative marriage of emerging green power technology with a hopeful start to curing social inequities. Still, it wasn't the easiest sell.
First LookDespite challenges, Iraq's female candidates run for parliamentNearly 2,600 female聽candidates are vying for a seat in parliament ahead of the May 12 election. Many see the vote as an opportunity to counter the erosion of women's rights and push their issues to the fore in the traditionally male dominated society.
In Baghdad, a sense of home resurfaces a decade after ethnic cleansingThe Baghdad neighborhood of Al-Adel was the site of a campaign of ethnic cleansing against Shiites at the height of Iraq's sectarian strife. But in a testament to the universal pull of "home," Shiite former residents have been trickling back, surfacing fond memories of the old days and recalling how some Sunnis helped them. First in an occasional series on Finding 'Home.'
Israel at 70: A tale of two historiesThe creation of Israel marked a moment of rebirth for Jews, but is remembered as a catastrophe by Palestinians. To mark the anniversary, our correspondent accompanied a tour that gave dueling Israeli and Palestinian historical narratives. One hopeful message: Understanding is possible.
First LookViolent conflict ignites along Israeli border fence in GazaOn Friday, hundreds of Palestinian protestors attempted to tear down a fence along the Israel-Gaza border. In response, Israeli forces opened fire on the crowd, marking the most violent clash in a series of ongoing protests in the region.
Iraq鈥檚 Shiite militias try to convert military victory into political powerIn a calmer Iraq, political players are pushing for national unity, and Shiite militias who were key to defeating ISIS are swapping their fatigues for suits. But can they have broad appeal if their main claim to fame is military?
First LookTurkey's Alevi minority threatened by dam-building plansTurkey is ramping up its dam construction despite opposition from locals. Some dams are being聽built on sacred Alevi ground,聽jeopardizing their cultural heritage and聽damaging the natural environment.聽
First LookEthiopian mega-dam causes stir in Egypt-Ethiopia relationsThe filling of Ethiopia's Grand Renaissance Dam using water from the Nile River threatens Egypt's agriculture industry even as it promises to boost Ethiopia's hydropower industry. The dam calls into question who has the right to the waters of the Nile.
How Egypt鈥檚 stubborn poverty threatens strongman Sisi鈥檚 gripThe majority of Egyptians have agreed to 'tighten their belts' to give Sisi time for his painful, IMF-mandated economic reforms. But without a turnaround, their patience could soon run out. There are already signs of voter apathy.
For still-stateless Palestinians, cultural life serves as a building blockEven as hopes for negotiating a聽future Palestinian state seem聽more remote than ever,聽there is an attempt here to build cultural institutions that聽inspire people to respond to their history and identity through art and exhibitions.
First LookSaudi Arabia to screen 'Black Panther' to mark first theater openings in decadesThe screening of 'Black Panther' is part of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's attempts to transform his ultraconservative kingdom into a modern, global player. AMC plans to open up to 40 cinemas across the country over the next five years.
FocusTunisia's democracy: Freedom is disappointingly messy, but there's hopeSeven years after the Arab Spring, the revolution is being seen as the easy part. Freedoms and democracy are failing to heal old wounds, as old social and economic grievances and corruption persist. But Tunisians are also learning to disagree civilly, and to make themselves heard.
As civilian toll climbs in Gaza, focus on Hamas dampens compassion in IsraelThousands of unarmed Palestinians who have marched to the Gaza-Israel border the past two Fridays have faced deadly fire as they call attention to their plight. But Israelis, seeing the hand of Hamas in the protests, remain primarily focused on their own security.
How a tough UN resolution is making push for Yemen peace talks harderThe UN's new Yemen envoy says all sides desire a political solution. But Resolution 2216, which demands Houthi rebels disarm and withdraw, is being invoked to create an 'impossible precondition' for talks.
First LookAfter Netanyahu's stunning reversal, African migrants in Israel remain in limboIsraeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu canceling the deal with the United Nations cast the fate of Israel's 35,000 African migrants into uncertainty. The migrants聽must now wait for the next decree by Israel's government to know their fate.
First LookAssyrians in Syria celebrate traditions despite dangersThe Assyrian community, an ethnic minority in the Middle East, gathered to observe their New Year holiday and foster community pride. The group, whose numbers in the region are dwindling, have frequently been a target of the Islamic State.聽
Yemen crisis: Does Saudi largess square with military campaign?The Saudis have presented the UN with nearly a third of the $3 billion it is seeking for Yemen humanitarian aid in 2018. But critics say the kingdom is more concerned with its image, and that it's more important for the Saudi-led coalition to halt its military campaign.
First LookIsrael reaches deal with UN to resettle African migrantsMore than 16,000 African migrants living in Israel will be sent to various Western countries over the next five years through a landmark agreement between Israel and the United Nations.聽
The ICRC's precious gift to Afghan families: contact with jailed loved-onesIn a war that has barely eased since US troops first arrived in 2001, the ICRC-arranged contact with detainees 鈥� families are allowed four 20-minute calls each year, and two face-to-face visits 鈥� are a brief ray of light in a world of incarceration and uncertainty.
