All Middle East
Iran's Khamenei and Trump spar, and sports and academic ties feel blowbackIran鈥檚 supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei spoke about Trump鈥檚 presidency for the first time, saying Trump had shown the 'true face of America.'- First LookIsrael retroactively legalizes West Bank settlements. Can they do that?Israel's prime minister is moving ahead with a controversial law that would legalize dozens of West Bank settlements, despite warnings that the bill itself is illegal.
First LookUS wrestlers' World Cup plans dashed, as Iran announces its own travel banUSA Wrestling will not be attending this month's Freestyle World Cup, after Iran responded to Trump's executive order on immigration with a ban of its own.
First LookIn Ankara, Merkel urges freedom of expression amid tense Turkish political sceneMeeting with Turkey's president, the German Chancellor expressed hope that Turks could safeguard their democratic institutions. 'Opposition is part of democracy,' she said.
First LookIsrael evacuates West Bank outpost as Netanyahu promises new settlementAfter a long legal battle, Israel's Supreme Court had ordered residents to evacuate the West Bank outpost of Amona, which was built on private Palestinian land. But now that residents are gone, the prime minister has vowed to build a new settlement for evicted families.
How Trump's travel ban hurts the fight against ISISAcross the Muslim world, the travel ban is eroding the trust that is vital to sharing intelligence, while leaders and fighters who have risked their lives to join the US-led coalition against ISIS are increasingly incensed.
In illegal Israeli outpost, litmus test for adjudicating settler, Palestinian interestsIsraeli security forces started evacuation today of Amona, in the West Bank, after a years-long legal battle.
World's most vulnerable refugees struggle as US welcome mat shrinksFor decades, the US has accepted displaced people with medical needs, victims of torture and trafficking, single women, and those facing persecution because of religion or sexual orientation. In Jordan, that program is now on hold.
Trump says it's not a Muslim ban. In Middle East, few are persuaded.A temporary ban on travel to the US for citizens of seven Muslim-majority nations has sparked reciprocal action from some. Many see it as a ban on Muslims, and say it could reenergize the 'clash of civilizations' debate.
Are we safer? One year later, Iran nuclear deal in Trump crosshairsTrump鈥檚 complaints about the deal echo those of Republican critics. But many analysts say critical elements of Iran's program have been curtailed, and Iran says it will not renegotiate.
First LookRecaptured by ISIS, ancient Palmyra loses two more monuments to antiquities destructionAfter re-capturing the Syrian city in December, Islamic State militants have destroyed the Tetrapylon and part of the Roman theater, local authorities confirmed Friday, what archaeologists say is a priceless loss for history.
First LookAs rescue efforts continue, Rouhani calls for investigation of Tehran high-rise fireAfter a fire caused Tehran鈥檚 first private high-rise to collapse, hundreds of people are engaged in rescue efforts.聽
At Istanbul's Grand Bazaar, empty shops echo Turkey's deepening strainsMerchants long accustomed to crowds of tourists say now they are not sure how they'll stay open. Political turmoil and growing numbers of attacks in urban centers have caused a sharp economic downturn.
As peace talks loom, Syrian refugees see little future in going homeTalks aimed at building on a current cease-fire are slated to begin in Kazakhstan Jan. 23. At a refugee camp in eastern Lebanon, Syrians say numerous obstacles stand in the way of returning to their homes.
Paris disconnect: Why many Palestinians don't want that two-state solutionTwo in three Palestinians say the model is no longer viable, and many are deeply frustrated with Palestinian Authority leadership.
Cover StoryIraqi 海角大神s: Will they go home?They are deciding whether to return to villages once held by Islamic State 鈥� a decision that could affect the stability and religious diversity of the Middle East.聽
Iran after Rafsanjani: What the passing of a 'pillar of pragmatism' meansFormer Iranian President Rafsanjani died Sunday. A power-broker of the 1979 revolution, he supported contacts with the US and helped orchestrate the 2013 victory of President Hassan Rouhani, a relative moderate.
First LookISIS blamed for wave of Baghdad attacks that left 23 deadA series of bombings in and around Baghdad is the latest in a string of attacks blamed on the Islamic State.
Jerusalem attack spurs fraught questions about young soldiers' responseA truck attack killed four Israeli soldiers Sunday. Some argue that the manslaughter conviction last week of an Israeli soldier for fatally shooting a wounded Palestinian assailant may have caused hesitation.
Russia and Turkey close ranks. A victory for Putin?Their partnership on Syria marks a significant shift for Turkey's President聽Erdo臒an.聽Still, analysts say, there are limits to Russia鈥檚 new friendship with Turkey.
