All Middle East
Did Israeli leaders undermine military in Gaza? A rift becomes public.Since last fall, the United States, having learned its own lessons, has urged Israel to envision a political endgame for the military campaign against Hamas in Gaza. The government鈥檚 continued refusal to do so is creating a widening rift with the military.
First LookIsrael cites new media law, seizes AP equipment, bars reporting from GazaIsraeli officials have seized the Associated Press鈥檚 equipment, banning the wire service from reporting in Southern Israel. They allege that the AP has contributed to coverage by Al Jazeera, the Qatari state-owned news outlet.
What unpopular president鈥檚 death means for continuity vs. change in IranIn the Iranian leadership鈥檚 conduct of internal elections and foreign relations, the primary focus has been the continuity of the Islamic Republic. President Ebrahim Raisi, who was killed in a helicopter crash, embodied that continuity.
First LookChief prosecutor of international court seeks warrants for Israel and Hamas leadersThe chief prosecutor at the International Criminal Court has called for the arrests of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Hamas chief leader Yehia聽Sinwar as war fatalities continue to rise. Neither party accepts blame.
First LookCritical aid enters Gaza via U.S. pier, more land routes still neededTrucks carrying badly needed aid for the Gaza Strip have rolled across a newly built U.S. pier. Friday鈥檚 shipment is the first in an operation that American military officials anticipate could scale up to 150 truckloads a day.
Gaza war: A look at the unlikely 鈥榓llies鈥� who gain from keeping it goingIn Gaza, Israel鈥檚 Netanyahu and Hamas鈥� Sinwar both face political considerations as they weigh proposals for a cease-fire and the exchange of prisoners and hostages.聽
For West Bank, an economy under siege is a Gaza 鈥榳ar dividend鈥�Palestinians in the West Bank have not been untouched by the war in Gaza. Now, with jobs in Israel lost and public sector wages unpaid, the weight of the conflict is dragging down the economy, too.
In Gaza and Israel, an exhausting cycle of hope and hopelessnessIsraeli hostages鈥� families and Palestinians in Gaza are on opposite sides of the war yet on the same emotional roller coaster that taxes their resilience. To maintain hope, some cite their common humanity.
Strike, counterstrike: What Israel just learned about Iran鈥檚 red linesIn war, outdated assessments and untested assumptions about one鈥檚 adversary can lead to hazardous miscalculations.聽
First LookIsrael orders more evacuations in Rafah and strikes northern GazaIsrael prepared to expand its military operation in defiance of growing pressure from close ally the United States, which on Friday said there was 鈥渞easonable鈥� evidence Israel had breached international law protecting civilians.
Historic Israeli desire to 鈥榞o it alone鈥� is tested by Gaza and IranIsrael is facing historic challenges over its instinct to act alone in war. One comes from a rift with its U.S. ally over Gaza. Another comes from the demonstrated benefits of regional cooperation and integration.
First LookAid nears Gaza pier as residents brace for looming Rafah invasionThe first aid shipment is on its way to the newly built floating platform off of Gaza. For Gazans facing famine and a potential invasion of Rafah, the relief can鈥檛 come soon enough.聽
Negotiate or attack: In Rafah, Israel鈥檚 options conflict in real timeFrom the start of the war in Gaza seven months ago, Israel's dual war aims聽鈥� rescuing hostages and defeating Hamas聽鈥� have been in tension. As pressures mount on Israel to choose between a cease-fire and an invasion of Rafah, that tension is soaring.
Iran鈥檚 official line on exchange with Israel: Deterrence restoredIran鈥檚 attack on Israel, and the Israeli strike that preceded it, raised fears that the war in Gaza was poised to erupt into a regional conflict. It hasn鈥檛. But success isn鈥檛 a given.
First LookLong a cherished trade, sanctions on Iran are unraveling the future of Persian rugsIran was once known for its luxurious silk carpets, often purchased by American and European tourists. But renewed sanctions and a drop in tourism have led to struggling carpet weavers and the future of the cultural artisan skills on the brink.聽
Fearing Israeli invasion of Rafah, Palestinians plan to flee. But where?Palestinians displaced by Israel鈥檚 war against Hamas have had steadily fewer options for safe shelter. With Israel鈥檚 sights now set on Rafah, and despite cease-fire talks, fearful Palestinians are wondering where they can go next.
First LookThe U.S. is building a $320 million floating aid pier. Hamas says they'll resist it.At least 90 truckloads of aid a day will be able to enter the Gaza Strip after the construction of a $320 million floating pier. The U.S. military is working with the Israeli military engineering unit to get the floating platform operating by early May.聽
First LookAfter a violent coup, the Taliban turn their sights to boosting tourismSince taking over Afghanistan, Taliban officials have invested in a hospitality school in the hopes of increasing tourism. To entice Western visitors, luxury hotels provide women from other countries more freedoms than local women.
Gaza cease-fire talks: Egypt, US hopeful a formula has been foundWith Gaza talks being conducted in Saudi Arabia, Israel, Egypt, and Qatar, there is a sense of hope in the Middle East for what diplomats are calling a 鈥渓ast best chance鈥� for a cease-fire and hostage-release agreement.
First LookBiden and Netanyahu speak as pressure rises for ceasefire dealPresident Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu spoke for nearly an hour. The leaders agreed that it's up to Hamas, now, to take the next step in negotiations, according to the White House.