All Middle East
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.
First LookIraqi troops mop-up in Mosul after pushing out ISIS strongholdAfter an eight-month operation against the Islamic State in Mosul, the terrorist organization holds less than two square kilometers, supporting claims that the destruction of the iconic al-Nuri Mosque signified the imminent end of IS forces in the city.聽
First LookIraq reclaims Mosul mosque, declares end of ISIS caliphateThe Iraqi military announced Thursday that it has regained control of the historic Grand al-Nuri Mosque from ISIS, claiming its 'fictitious state has fallen.'
Saudi youth move? Why crown prince may struggle to win over young subjects.Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, more an economic reformer than a social one, is charged with helping ensure the House of Saud鈥檚 hold on power.
First LookTurkey to keep Qatar military base despite Arab nations' demandsIn a historic dispute with Qatar, several Arab nations sent the nation a 13-point list including 'steep' diplomatic and political demands. Turkey has refused to comply with the ultimatums and intends to bolster its military presence in Qatar.
Ramadan? There's an app for that.Millions of Muslims worldwide now are using Ramadan apps to help them observe, and revise, centuries-old traditions: when to eat, when to fast, when and how to pray, and how to donate to charity.
First LookISIS destroys Mosul mosque, thought to be act of desperationMembers of the Islamic State group blew up the al-Nuri mosque in Mosul on Wednesday. From one perspective, the loss of the 800-year-old mosque is a historic and religious tragedy. On the other hand, the destruction of Mosul鈥檚 last IS stronghold could signal the group鈥檚 impending collapse.聽
Her recycling project faced long odds in Lebanon. Still, she persisted.In a country whose inability to collect its garbage has, at times, made headlines, a feisty octogenarian has been running a recycling project for more than two decades. Neighbors have noticed.
