All Middle East
Free Syrian Army: Better tool for toppling Syria's Assad than UN?As Arab and European nations push for a new resolution at the UN Security Council tomorrow, the Free Syrian Army is emerging as an increasingly influential player. But it needs weapons, money.
IAEA visit: It's showtime for Iran's nuclear denialsThe IAEA team's three-day visit marks the first opportunity for Tehran to rebut allegations of a covert Iranian nuclear weapons program that were made public in November.- After Egypt, Tunisia, Libya overthrows, Arab upheaval begins to settleEgypt quietly moves into another phase of voting, while the monarchs in Morocco and Jordan have stabilized their rule through reforms.聽
Syria uprising: Religion overshadowing the democratic pushThe fighting in Syria risks being defined less as a popular uprising against a secular democracy and more as an armed sectarian conflict.
As Israeli-Palestinian talks sink, fringe ideas gain tractionAs time passes and a two-state solution looks less feasible, Israelis and Palestinians are more seriously considering ideas like a binational state.
How Iran could beat up on America's superior militaryAmerica's defense budget is roughly 90 times bigger than Iran's. But Iran has a well-honed strategy of asymmetric warfare.
Egypt's military lifts emergency law 鈥� with one big loopholeOn the eve of the Egyptian revolution anniversary, military leader Hussein Tantawi said the hated emergency law 鈥� a key tool of repression 鈥� would be lifted except in cases of 'thuggery.'
Egyptian revolution anniversary: 4 activists explain the work left On the anniversary of the Egyptian uprising that swept former President Hosni Mubarak from power, many of those who protested are not celebrating. Four activists tell the Monitor why.
Iran angry over EU unity on oil embargoIran's currency nosedived today as the EU approved an oil embargo to take effect in July. The rial has lost half its value since October.
Syria rejects Arab League's 'flagrant interference'The Arab League call for Syria's Assad to transfer power to his deputy reflects increasing external pressure that diplomats hope will force the president's departure.
As Egypt's new parliament convenes, eyes on ultraconservative salafisSalafis want to roll back the clock to their vision of sixth-century Islam. They captured a quarter of the votes, far more than many expected.聽
Buoyed by 'Islamic Spring,' Hamas considers new directionHamas' political chief Khaled Meshal is stepping down as the militant Palestinian group faces a regional moment of change.
In Jerusalem, national parks seen by Palestinians as a land grabSeven existing and planned parks in sensitive East Jerusalem, chosen in part for their archaeological significance, would expand areas of Jewish control where Palestinians envision a future capital.
Iraq's Maliki accused of jailing, torturing opponentsIraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki was accused by former prime minister and rival Ayad Allawi of using the security services to torture members of opposition groups into giving false confessions.
Iran to return drone to Obama 鈥� a pink, $4 toy versionAn Iranian toymaker is hawking a toy replica of the American RQ-170 Sentinel drone that Iran downed last month. The drone is far less controversial than another US-inspired toy: Barbie.
Could Israel live with a nuclear Iran? A gaming exercise suggests yes.Israeli intelligence experts role-played Iran in a simulation exploring the 'day after' scenario if Iran were to launch a nuclear explosive test. The results suggest war would not break out immediately.
Iran and US: Could they talk war into happening?Analysts warn about the dangers of rhetoric as the stage appears set for a highly volatile year with both the United States and Iran preparing for elections.
Is Al Qaeda actually involved in the Syria uprising?Embattled President Bashar al-Assad is blaming Al Qaeda and its affiliates for a spate of suicide bombings around Syria's capital, but analysts are skeptical.
Shiite and Sunni: What are the differences? While the two sects share the same basic beliefs, differences in hierarchy and doctrine make Catholics and Protestants an apt comparison.
Shiite pilgrims defy bombings in Iraq to mark ArbaeenShiite pilgrims rely on the kindness of Shiites and even some Sunnis who set up hospitality tents along the road to the holy city of Karbala. Both pilgrims and volunteers say they won't be stopped by the risk of violence.