All Middle East
What Carla Del Ponte's resignation means for search for justice in SyriaThe veteran prosecutor decried Russian obstruction at the UN and a lack of political will in her decision to quit the war crimes probe into Syria. But others cite progress and note justice often does not come until the conflict is over.
Progress WatchAcross the Arab world, a 'Women鈥檚 Spring' comes into viewLegislative advances for women in Tunisia and Jordan may soon be followed by measures in Lebanon and Iraq. A quiet revolution has drawn on women鈥檚 increased participation in politics and the improved flow of ideas across borders.
First LookJordan's king visits West Bank: A rare trip seen as message to IsraelAt a time of rising Israeli-Jordanian and Israeli-Palestinian tensions, Jordan's King Abdullah II visits the Palestinian government compound and met with President Mahmoud Abbas.聽
First LookReligion on the go: clerics use Cairo subway to clarify Islamic doctrineThe controversial move to give worshippers an easy window into Islamic teachings is part of a larger push to correct misconceptions on extremism, but some say that a subway station is not the appropriate setting.
First LookJordanian parliament moves to end 'marry the rapist' clauseFollowing in the footsteps of Tunisia, Morocco, and Egypt, Jordan's parliament voted Tuesday to remove the provision that allows rapists to escape punishment by marrying their victims.聽
First LookIran rocket test: space program boon or nuclear handwringer?Iran鈥檚 successful test of a satellite-carrying rocket is a symbol of the country鈥檚 maturing space program, but may spite adversaries who complain that the launch violates the spirit of a 2015 nuclear peacekeeping deal.
Syria pivot? Why anti-Assad rebels, dropped by CIA, could land with jihadists.Suspension of a CIA program that armed and trained the rebels leaves them with few options. Some may join the US-backed anti-ISIS campaign, but others may join jihadists to pursue their campaign against Assad. Some already have.
First LookIn a conciliatory move, Israeli officials take down metal detectors from shared shrineAlthough the tensions are not yet resolved, the compromise reveals a prevailing interest between Jews and Muslims to protect their diplomatic ties in Jerusalem.
First LookViolence at Israel's Jordan embassy escalates crisis over Jerusalem shrineJordan is the Muslim custodian of the shrine where Israeli authorities installed controversial metal detectors last week after Arab gunman killed two Israeli policemen near the shared holy site.
How Western spyware is being used to shut down Arab rights activistsSince the Arab Spring seven years ago, autocratic regimes have spent millions on Western firms' technology to steal activists' contacts, listen in on their conversations, and more.
First LookHeightened security measures fuel tensions at shared Jerusalem holy siteIn the wake of last week's shooting, the site, known as the Temple Mount to Jews and Noble Sanctuary to Muslims, was closed for two days, marking its third closure since the 1967 Mideast war.
First LookSaudi woman arrested for immodesty after social media condemnationAngry tweets blaming a Saudi woman for her immodest dress preceded her arrest, highlighting extensive conservative views in the kingdom and leading some to fear social media as a vehicle for incrimination.
Why US may slash military aid to an ally it helped build up in LebanonIn the Lebanese Army, the US saw a potential counterbalance to Hezbollah. What it got was an ally against ISIS. Now the military aid is caught up in State Department budget-cutting.
Year after coup, Turkey's opposition on the march. But to where?A 25-day march and rally days before Turkish President Erdo臒an marks the coup anniversary were an emotional show of strength for his foes. But a charismatic leader is needed to unify their ranks.
First LookIsrael weighs canceling key concession to an overcrowded West Bank cityUnder fire from settlers, Israel appears poised to cancel its offer to turn over a small parcel of land, a potential blow to Palestinian residents of cramped Qalqilya ... and efforts to revive the peace process.
First LookTurkey's Erdogan says 'journalists commit crimes, too'Since last year's coup attempt, about 160 journalists sit in jail while more than 150 media outlets have been shutdown completely, leaving thousands unemployed. President聽Erdogan has accused journalists of creating turmoil in the country.
First LookArab nations may have cut ties, but Qataris are too busy shopping to noticeQatar鈥檚 wealth, energy reserves, remaining allies, and new shipping routes have helped keep the prosperous country well supplied.聽
First LookPost-ISIS Mosul tremors with lingering airstrikesOne day after Iraq's prime minister declared victory over the Islamic State in Mosul, International Amnesty refocuses attention on the 'civilian catastrophe' caused by the battle.聽
First LookAfter three years of ISIS dominance in Mosul, Iraqi PM announces victoryMosul 鈥� a region where fear has predominated since Islamic State militants seized the city in 2014 鈥� enjoyed a celebratory atmosphere when Iraq鈥檚 prime minister declared victory on Monday, though a humanitarian crisis still simmers.聽
Gulf Arabs vs. Qatar: Why all the fuss over Al Jazeera?It's really no shocker that Saudi Arabia and its Gulf allies are demanding Qatar close Doha-based Al Jazeera. The pan-Arab TV network has been a thorn in the conservative societies' sides since Day One.
