All Middle East
Iran vote: Khamenei loyalists appear to do wellGood results for Ayatollah Khamenei's candidates in Iran's parliamentary vote聽could strengthen the supreme leader's hand before a presidential vote next year.- Under siege, a Syrian town struggles to keep goingSyrian troops have blockaded the town of Qusair for about six months. The conflict between local fighters and Assad's forces surrounding the town is taking a 聽growing toll.
Iran election draws conservatives: 'God, please accept this vote from me'State TV reported a turnout of 64.6 percent in Iran's election today, the first since the 2009 poll that led to a crisis of legitimacy for the regime. Leaders said it was a 'religious duty' to vote.
Iran trumpets high turnout in parliamentary electionsIran's leaders see today's parliamentary elections as central to affirming their popular support 鈥� especially at what Supreme Leader Khamenei called a 'more sensitive period' of tensions with West.
Iran elections: The most important ever, says KhameneiIran Supreme Leader Khamenei seeks to prove he is firmly in charge in tomorrow's聽national elections, the first since 2009, when President Ahmadinejad's reelection sparked historic protests.聽
Egypt's rulers face backlash after lifting travel ban on AmericansEgypt had portrayed its case against American NGOs as necessary to thwart foreign agents intent on harming the country. Now angry Egyptians say their rulers have caved to US pressure.
Israel's ultra-Orthodox could lose exemption from army serviceA landmark supreme court decision聽ends exemptions for ultra-Orthodox, a mushrooming group whose devotion to religious study instead of military service has led to accusations of freeloading.
Profile: Yemen's new president, Abed Rabbo Mansour HadiMr. Hadi is a relative unknown in Yemen, despite serving as former President Saleh's deputy for 17 years.
Oscar winner 'A Separation': Iranians celebrate historic awardOscar winner and director Asghar Farhadi said 'A Separation' depicted Iran 'through her glorious culture, a rich and ancient culture that has been hidden under the heavy dust of politics.'
Americans on trial: a convenient distraction for Egypt's rulers?The trial of 16 Americans and 27 other democracy workers opened today in Egypt in a case that has riveted the Egyptian public and deflected their frustrations onto foreigners.
President Hadi takes power as Yemen's first new leader in three decadesPresident Hadi took oath of office in Yemen Saturday, calling for 'democratic dialogue' and vowing to fight Al Qaeda militants. A deadly car bomb attack in the south underscored ongoing instability.
IAEA report on Iran: 'serious concerns' about nuclear programThe UN nuclear watchdog says Iran has stepped up uranium enrichment and refused to resolve questions about possible nuclear weapons-related work. But the IAEA also found Iran had overstated its claims of progress.聽
'Friends of Syria' conference demands Assad open humanitarian aid corridorsSyrian forces continued to attack Homs as the 'Friends of Syria' international group met in Tunisia. A draft resolution called for a cease-fire, while Secretary of State Clinton said sanctions would increase if the violence does not stop.- How much do you know about Iran? Take our quiz to find out.
The world's focus has turned upon Iran in recent months, as it moves ahead with its nuclear program despite crippling sanctions from the West and the threat of preemptive attack by Israel. But how much do you really know about Iran's history and place in the Middle East? Take our quiz to test your knowledge.
The risks of telling the Syria storyWith nine journalists among the roughly 8,000 dead in Syria's uprising, Monitor reporter Scott Peterson explores the soul-searching inside the small community of war correspondents.聽
Questions remain: Iran blocks nuclear experts from key siteThe UN nuclear watchdog agency left after two days of talks failed despite 'intensive efforts.' It will report on Iran's program in days.
As Al Qaeda moves fight to Syria, violence in Iraq drops sharplyAfter Al Qaeda-affiliated fighters left Iraq to join the Syrian rebellion, violence has dropped in Iraq, in some areas by as much as 50 percent in just a few months.
A defector's tale: How a Syrian soldier turned rebelA young defector's story highlights the weakness of the Assad regime, including military officers taking rebel bribes and sectarian divisions pitting Syrian against Syrian.聽
Yemen vote ousts Saleh, but will new leader bring change?Vice President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi, the sole candidate, won the historic Yemen vote. Many Yemenis hope his win will pave the way to a more democratic society.聽
The cool new Palestinians: geeksThe West Bank and Gaza Strip is home to hundreds of tech companies, creating everything from websites to聽smart phone apps.