All Middle East
Syrian forces seize Islamic State-held town near PalmyraSupported by more than 40 Russian air strikes,聽Syrian forces said the strategic victory helps secure oil and gas routes while disrupting Islamic State supply routes within Syria.
Azerbaijan: Unilateral cease-fire against Nagorno-KarabakhRebel forces have disputed reports of a cease fire, after a weekend of attacks that killed 30 troops on both sides. The violence was the worst in the conflict since 1994.
In Washington, Turkey's president is angling for a close-upPresident聽Erdo臒an is leaving his troubles behind for a few days to attend a security summit in Washington. Being seen with Obama tops his to-do list.
Egyptian hijacker arrested after standoff in CyprusAn Egyptian man, who claimed to have a bomb, hijacked an EgyptAir plane flight traveling from Alexandria to Cairo, and diverted it to Cyprus. He's been arrested.聽
The Israeli model: What airport safety looks like, and what it costs travelersSecurity measures at Israel's main airport, one of the world's safest, are vastly different from those in Brussels. But there is a tradeoff.
Israel decries resolution by UN rights councilThe resolution calls for the establishment of a database of businesses "involved in activities" in the occupied West Bank.
Islamic State: How Iraqi widow's resistance became a symbol of hopeThe self-sacrifice of Um Qusay, a widow whose Sunni tribespeople sheltered hundreds of mostly Shiite soldiers in 2014 from IS fighters, has won national acclaim. But the fight is far from over.聽
Istanbul bomber identified as militant with links to ISTurkey has endured six suicide bombings in less than a year, damaging its tourism industry, but the country's interior minister said the country will continue聽its fight against terror groups.
Suicide bomb attack in Istanbul kills 5, wounds dozensA suicide bomb attack on Istanbul's main pedestrian shopping street聽killed five people Saturday and wounded 36 others. Turkey is already on edge after two recent car bombs in its capital, Ankara.
Getting out of ISIS: American man among the few to escapeAn American man has recounted how he joined ISIS and then escaped after becoming disillusioned. Stories like his are becoming more common.聽
After Putin's surprise pullout, ball suddenly back in Syria's courtAnalysts say the Russian withdrawal appears intended in part to pressure Syrian President Assad into negotiating seriously in Geneva and offering concessions.
FocusAround world, doubts whether Trump could 'make America great again'The increasing possibility of a Trump presidency is feeding nations鈥� worries about everything from the continuation of their trade deals to military ties with the US.
Iranian war photographers: what makes them clickTo get to the front lines of Iran's conflicts in Syria and Iraq, war photographers must overcome the fact that hardly anyone wants them there.
What did Russia's six-month intervention in Syria accomplish?After helping defend the Assad regime, Moscow is now looking to exert its influence on peace talks in Geneva. The Syrian conflict entered its sixth year on Tuesday.
In tougher times, more Saudi women drive for social changeAs the cost of living rises in Saudi Arabia, a new generation of women鈥檚 rights activists is emerging from the working and middle class.
US and Russia sharply divided over Iran missile testsThe US said the tests merit a response from the Security Council, but Russia's contention that the launches did not violate a UN resolution all but rule out any council action.
Putin to pull some Russian forces out of SyriaRussia will maintain its air base and a naval facility in Syria and keep some troops there.聽
For refugees on Turkey's coast, it's still (risky) business as usualLast week's EU-Turkey deal to halt the flow of migrants sailing for Greece has yet to impact the mindsets of Syrian migrants and those who smuggle them into Europe.聽
Turkey carries out airstrikes after deadly bombing in AnkaraThe suicide car bombing on Sunday killed 37 people.聽It was the second deadly attack blamed on Kurdish militants in the Turkish capital in the past month.
Takeover of top Turkish paper seen as presidential power playThe takeover of the Zaman newspaper was only the latest episode, analysts say, in Erdo臒an鈥檚 systematic crackdown on his foes as he seeks to create a powerful presidential system in Turkey.
