All Middle East
FocusPalestinian developer builds city of dreams, but will they come?Hailed as a building block of a future state, a brand new West Bank city is struggling to persuade Palestinians to move out of their traditional communities.
Egypt author jailed for violating 'public modesty'Egyptian author Ahmed Naji was sentenced to two years in jail on Saturday by a Cairo appeals court after a private citizen complained that an except of Naji's novel caused him to become聽severely ill.
Egypt: Why blasphemy cases are rising under President SisiEgypt's ex-military president, who unseated the Muslim Brotherhood, is criticized for curbing rights and freedoms. But criminalizing blasphemy is popular.
Turkey blames Kurdish rebels, Syria for deadly bombingThe attack came as Turkey had been pressing the US to cut off support to the Kurdish Syrian militias, which Turkey regards as terrorists because of their affiliation with the PKK.
At least 28 killed as Turkish military buses attacked in car bombing, official saysA senior Turkish security source said initial signs indicated that Kurdish militants from the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) were responsible.
Islamic State: Why ethnic reconciliation is a tough sell in northern IraqJihadists are on the defensive in battleground states in Iraq, but the mistrust and fear engendered by their murderous campaign present a tough challenge to future cohabitation.聽
Reformist view of Iran's Rouhani: 'Yes he can' becomes 'No, he didn't'Hossein Dehbashi once worked to get Hassan Rouhani elected president of Iran. Now, he says, he and other supporters of reforms feel taken for granted.
FocusGen. Soleimani: A new brand of Iranian hero for nationalist timesNot a Shiite religious figure and not a martyr, Qassem Soleimani, the living commander of Iran's elite Qods Force, has been elevated to hero status.
FocusTo enlist Iran's youth, Islamic Republic adds a nationalist pitchGlorified religious sacrifice, a staple of the regime's efforts to secure its citizens' support, is giving way to an updated appeal to Iran's youth.
Diplomats aim for temporary Syria truce in a weekJohn Kerry hailed the results but noted they were "commitments on paper." It was not clear if deep and festering differences between the US and Russia on these issues could be overcome.
Syrian war: It took time, but Russia was game-changer for AssadThousands of rebel fighters are on the verge of being surrounded by pro-regime forces in Aleppo, Syria's largest city. For that, Assad can thank Russia's intervention.
Under Russian fire, Syrian rebels blame West for abandoning their fightAmid a Russian-backed regime offensive in Aleppo, rebel factions in Syria say they face defeat without imminent military aid from the US, Turkey, and other allies.
Rising tensions? Iranian drone spies on US warshipThe Jan. 12 reconnaissance flight by the Iranian Shahed drone was the latest in a series of tense naval encounters between the US Navy and the Islamic republic's military.
Amid Syrian refugee exodus, Turkey's open door swings shutTens of thousands of Syrians are fleeing a Russian-backed offensive in Aleppo. Turkish aid groups are providing food and shelter to those trapped over the border.聽
To counter Iranian rival, Saudi Arabia steps up Washington lobbyingSaudi officials feel slighted by the Obama administration's pursuit of a nuclear agreement with Iran. In a shift, Saudi lobbyists are targeting Congress and news organizations.聽
Turkey: Reaching limits but will keep taking in refugeesUp to 35,000 Syrians have massed on the Turkish border, which has been closed for three days, authorities say, and a possible siege of the major city of Aleppo could send thousands more in the coming days.
UAE says ready to support anti-Islamic State coalition with troopsSeveral other聽Sunni Muslim states, including Saudi Arabia, say they are ready to participate in ground operations against the IS, but the UAE's foreign minister says American leadership "is a pre-requisite."
Turkey faces pressure as thousands of Syrians gather at borderAs many as 35,000 Syrians have massed along Turkey's closed border. Will the country give into pressure to open the border?
Afghanistan meeting ends with call for talks with TalibanAfghanistan, Pakistan, the US and China concluded their聽talks aimed at ending Afghanistan's 15-year Saturday with a call for direct negotiations between the government and the Taliban by the end of February.
Shrill wind from Israel: Does it risk alienating its allies?Even as Israel loudly tangles with Sweden, the UN, and the US envoy, Netanyahu is quietly trying to 'muddle through' amid signs of eroding US diplomatic cover.
