All Middle East
First LookWhy Kurds are the biggest beneficiaries 20 years after Iraq WarIrbil, a Kurdish city in northern Iraq, has transformed in the past 20 years with wide U.S.-style highways lined with fast-food restaurants and real estate offices. The conflict between the U.S. and Baghdad benefitted the Kurds more than anyone else.
First LookUS in Iraq: What remains 20 years after the invasion?The U.S. invaded Iraq 20 years ago this week and currently maintains a consistent presence of roughly 2,500 soldiers scattered throughout the country. These troops are deemed essential to demonstrate commitment to the region and as a safeguard against Iran.
First LookIraqi youth find strength in identity, 20 years after fall of HusseinAfter the 2003 U.S.-led invasion of Iraq toppled dictator Saddam Hussein, struggling families fleeing violence felt hemmed in by barricaded communities. Twenty years later, Baghdad residents now feel safer, and young people feel emboldened by their story.
Difference Maker鈥極ur right to dream鈥�: Why Emad Hajjaj draws on despite threat of arrestDespite risk of arrest, political cartoonist Emad Hajjaj believes holding up a mirror to Arab society is a responsibility 鈥� and a laughing matter.
Israeli protesters: 鈥楾raitors鈥� and 鈥榓narchists鈥� or best and brightest?Among the Israelis protesting the government鈥檚 proposed judicial 鈥渞eforms鈥� are members of two groups prized by Prime Minister Netanyahu: the high-tech sector and military veterans. Does that give protesters leverage?
First LookIran and Saudi Arabia reestablish ties in 'dialing down of tensions'After years of tensions, Iran and Saudi Arabia have agreed to reestablish diplomatic relations and reopen embassies in an effort to support regional stability. China brokered the deal amid perceptions the U.S. is slowly withdrawing from the Middle East.
Cover StoryEgyptian archaeologists hold their own history in their handsFor decades, as archaeologists dug into the history buried in the Valley of the Kings, Egyptians were laborers, never discoverers. Not on this dig.
First LookEmpathy without borders: Israelis crowdfund to help PalestiniansAfter Israeli settlers torched the Palestinian town Hawara, an Israeli-led fundraising campaign collected hundreds of thousands of dollars to help Palestinians. 鈥淭he majority of the Jews are against extremism, against racism," said fundraiser聽Yaya Fink.
Coffee without end: Oasis village tests limits of hospitalityHow generous is too generous? In the Saudi oasis village of Jubbah, where doors are never closed, a hospitality that once served as a lifeline for desert travelers pushes guests鈥� capacities to the limits.
Diplomacy vs. violence: Israeli-Palestinian talks face immediate testJordan hosted the highest-level Israeli-Palestinian talks in years, but violence, hate speech, and leadership woes are exposing the limits of traditional diplomacy in polarized times.
First LookIraq builds hope and peace, 20 years after ousting Saddam HusseinIraqi President Abdul Latif Rashid says he wants the world to know that his country now is at peace, nearly 20 years after the overthrow of Saddam Hussein. While rebuilding its economy and agriculture, Iraq still faces weak infrastructure and corruption.
First LookTensions spike with deadly Israeli raid in the West BankIn a rare daytime raid in the occupied West Bank,聽Israeli troops on Wednesday targeted聽the city of Nablus, a scene of frequent military activity. More than 50 Palestinians have been killed in the West Bank and east Jerusalem since the start of 2023.
Green spring in Saudi Arabia? It鈥檚 the season of the grass-hoppers.How far would you go for a picnic? In Saudi Arabia, for travelers from near and far, rare desert blooms after perfectly timed winter rains offer much-needed greenery, tranquility, and joy.
First LookProtests in Iran: A call for change from the holiest Shiite capitalIranian clerics are calling for a lighter touch from authorities when dealing with protestors. About 19,600 protestors have been detained and 528 killed in Iran since the death of Mahsa Amin. 鈥淭hey should have been enlightened and guided,鈥� says one cleric.聽
In Israel, streets swell with an urgent battle cry: 鈥楧emocracy!鈥�The Israeli battle over proposed laws to weaken the judiciary is spurring warnings of a national emergency and a sense of disbelief among protesters that democracy is being threatened.
First LookIs the Taliban fracturing? High-level leader criticizes regime.A recent speech from a high-level Taliban official could hint at an eroding monolith of the autocratic rule in Afghanistan. 鈥淢onopolizing power and hurting the reputation of the entire system are not to our benefit,鈥� said Interior Minister Sirajuddin Haqqani.
After quake, Syrians lost outside aid. They鈥檙e working to help themselves.The Feb. 6 earthquake in Turkey rocked rebel-held northwest Syria as well. Locals are doing the best they can to deal with the disaster, but aid is in short supply due to the region's isolation.
As Turks look at collapsed buildings, anger at government growsPresident Erdo臒an won broad support in Turkey for his building and modernization projects. But critics of the government say sensible precautions were ignored in a rush to build in a quake-prone zone.
First Look鈥楴o to dictatorship鈥�: Israelis oppose judicial, legislative changesIsraelis are protesting a bill from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that would alter the structure of the country鈥檚 legal system. Mr. Netanyahu, who faces corruption charges, is weakening judicial authority to his benefit, critics say.
First LookSurvivors still being found five days after Turkey quakeThe death toll has now topped 25,000, but rescuers saved at least nine people, including a family of five, from the rubble on Saturday.