All Middle East
What鈥檚 preventing Syrian refugees鈥� return home? Distrust of Assad.After the Arab League reinstated Syria, some Syrian refugees had dared hope for measures to enable their return home. But in interviews and polls, most say they鈥檝e seen nothing that convinces them that now is the time.
In coffee-crazy Arab Gulf, a pricey pursuit of the perfect potIn the Gulf Arab states, where preparing and serving Arabic coffee to guests is sometimes a daylong ritual, the right pot can carry a luxury price tag. It鈥檚 a price many Saudis are happy to pay.
First LookSpiritual journey revival: Hajj returns to Mecca in forceOver 2 million Muslims are participating in the largest Hajj pilgrimage since pandemic restrictions. The pilgrimage is a deeply spiritual event that symbolizes unity, and tests faith and patience, culminating with the festival of Eid al-Adha.
As violent crime soars, Israeli Arabs ask: Where鈥檚 the government?In Arab towns in Israel, violent crime has been the top concern, and the right-wing government is facing accusations of neglect. Is a recent massacre enough to shock officials into effective action?
First LookAfter deadly West Bank shooting, Israeli settlers rampage againIsraeli settlers set fire to dozens of Palestinian homes and cars in Turmus Ayya, a West Bank village occupied by Palestinians. The attack comes in response to a shooting by two Palestinian gunmen that killed four Israeli people earlier in the week.
First LookFattah unveiled: Iran鈥檚 new hypersonic missile fuels tensions with USIran claims it has a hypersonic missile capable of reaching speeds 15 times faster than sound amid tense United States-Iran relations over its nuclear program. The missile, named Fattah, has a moveable nozzle that makes interception more challenging.
Jordan鈥檚 royal wedding: Joy, politics, and an eye toward the kingdom鈥檚 futureRoyal weddings often highlight tradition and history. In Jordan, celebrations around its crown prince鈥檚聽nuptials are all about the future.
In Turkey, secular women alarmed about future under new Erdo臒an termLiberal Turkish women fear President Erdo臒an鈥檚聽election victory will spell further setbacks for women鈥檚 rights. Their devout Muslim sisters disagree.
The secret behind Jordan鈥檚 national dish? A 鈥榶ogurt that unites.鈥�Jordan鈥檚 national dish, comprising roast lamb, cracked wheat, and hot yogurt sauce, depends on close cooperation among farmers and shepherds.
First LookTurkey's Erdo臒an wins reelection, beating close challengerWith almost all votes counted,聽Turkey President Recep Tayyip Erdo臒an declared victory in a runoff election, extending his 20 years as president.
First LookTaliban waging war against women, rights groups say in call for actionReport by two human rights groups, including Amnesty, says Taliban treatment of women is gender-based persecution, a crime against humanity. Imprisonment, torture cited in call to international community to take legal action.
Why quakes that razed homes may raise up Turkey鈥檚 Erdo臒anExpectations that a weak response to earthquakes would cost the Turkish government votes proved false. Political preferences have become identities.
First LookTurkey鈥檚 runoff presidential election: Is democracy at stake?Two opposing visions for Turkey鈥檚 future are on the ballot when voters return to the polls Sunday for a runoff presidential election. The election will decide between an increasingly authoritarian incumbent and a pro-democracy challenger.
Cover StoryCan the oil industry help address climate change? Saudi Arabia says yes.The effort to abate climate change has a new player: Saudi Arabia. Yet some doubt the world鈥檚 second-largest oil producer will strike the right balance between current needs and future necessities.
Turkish opposition clings to election hopes against the oddsTurkish President Recep Tayyip聽Erdo臒an is well placed to win the second round of presidential elections, but his opponents are not giving up hope.
First LookDubai's lunar dream: A $5 billion leap to the skiesDubai鈥檚 $5 billion real estate project plans to build a 900-foot replica of the moon to elevate the city鈥檚 grandeur even further. Fueled by pandemic refugees and Russians escaping conflict, Dubai鈥檚 hot real estate market supports ambitious architecture.
Arab states see a path to progress through Syria. It could be bumpy.Fresh diplomacy in the Middle East is reforging Syria鈥檚 ties to the Arab world. Each has something the other wants. But will Damascus play ball?
鈥楽audi First鈥�: Why kingdom鈥檚 bailouts of allies now carry a price tagFor decades, Saudi Arabia served as Arab nations鈥� go-to destination for emergency bailouts. But as the kingdom moves toward a post-oil economy, it鈥檚 taking a more transactional approach to aid.
First LookPresident Erdo臒an leads Turkey鈥檚 election, headed into runoffTurkey鈥檚 presidential elections are heading for a runoff. President Recep Tayyip Erdo臒an, who has ruled his country with a firm grip for 20 years, holds a momentary lead over his challenger but has fallen short of outright securing a third decade.
First LookIsraeli cease-fire with Gaza militants appears to hold, despite tensionsWhile the cease-fire appeared to bring relief to Gaza鈥檚 people after days of bombing, the agreement did nothing to address the underlying issues that have fueled Israeli-Palestinian fighting over the years.