All Middle East
First LookQatar preps for World Cup, regional respect for women's soccer lagsIn the soccer-obsessed Middle East, women鈥檚 teams have been held back by lack of financing and conservative attitudes. Momentum across the region is uneven but active government participation is聽growing and shifting public attitudes.
As Israel votes (again), Arab union cracks and Jewish right unitesCooperation is key to political success, yet alliances can be fragile. In Israel鈥檚 fifth election in four years, one successful partnership crumbles even as an anti-democratic union rises.
In the Lion鈥檚 Den: What a new militia offers young PalestiniansA new generation of youth-led, nonpartisan militias is tapping into the frustrations of young Palestinians cut out of politics and pressured by Israeli settlers and the military.
Iran鈥檚 women on freedom: 鈥楾his cause won鈥檛 die鈥�Iranian women, in a month of protests, are demanding their rights and leading a fight against the religious government's brutally intrusive rules.
Saudi entrepreneurs turn backs on job-for-life traditionThe Saudi government, building the foundations of a post-oil economy, is encouraging startup entrepreneurs, breaking with a job-for- life tradition.
First LookIsrael, Lebanon draft historic agreement over maritime borderIn a U.S.-brokered deal, Israel said it reached a historic agreement with neighboring Lebanon over a long disputed border on the Mediterranean Sea. The agreement, still to be confirmed, would allow Lebanon to exploit undersea gas resources.
First Look'This rioting was planned': Iran's supreme leader faults USIran鈥檚 supreme leader聽Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has broken his silence on the protests entering their third week in Iran over the death of a young woman at the hands of the morality police. He said the US and Israel are to blame for the unrest.聽
Facing new hardships, Lebanese weigh safety vs. 鈥榣iving this life鈥�What happens when the needs for dignity and safety collide? As Lebanon crumbles, individuals are taking greater risks, invading banks and fleeing on boats; 100 died last week.
First Look'Bonfires with veils': Protests in Iran renew history of defianceWomen protesting the death of Mahsa Amini are targeting the compulsory veil 鈥� something central to the identity of Iran鈥檚 Islamic cleric-led rule. The protests are drawing on a long tradition of resistance among Iranian women.
鈥楾his girl has united us all鈥�: Women鈥檚 rage mobilizes Iranians锘�Women and their freedoms are the catalyst for widespread demonstrations in Iran demanding reforms 鈥� even, as some protesters are saying, the toppling of the Islamic Republic.
First LookProtests continue in Iran after hijab arrest results in deathProtests erupted in Iran after a young woman died in the custody of morality police, accused of wearing her hijab improperly. Women in Iran have since been seen displaying defiance of the regime鈥檚 increasingly violent treatment of young women.
First LookA farmer's shovel uncovers a rare ancient mosaic in GazaA Palestinian farmer discovered a rare and colorful mosaic that is being touted as one of Gaza鈥檚 greatest archaeological treasures. The discovery highlights the importance of protecting Gaza鈥檚 antiquities amid conflict with Israel, experts say.
Not gone, but forgotten? Syrian refugees struggle to move forward.An outpouring of generosity and compassion a decade ago created a refuge for Syrians fleeing civil war, offering them dignity and hope. What happens when the world鈥檚 focus moves on?
Water: Lessons in survival from a bone-dry landThere鈥檚 drought, and then there鈥檚 Jordan. Lacking water all the time 鈥� their country is the second-most water-poor in the world 鈥� Jordanians rely on resourcefulness to cope with a lack of resources.
First Look鈥楾his is not a revolution鈥�: sparks of civil war cool in IraqAfter days of gunfights with government forces in the streets of Iraq鈥檚 capital, forces loyal to Shiite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr began to withdraw after he called on them to stand down. Apologizing to Iraqis, Mr. Sadr says he does not support violence.
鈥楻evolution鈥� in Iraq? How Shiite cleric is testing a young democracy.In recent years, even established democracies have proven vulnerable under stress. In Iraq, despite the nascent system鈥檚 imperfections, it has served as political glue to the country鈥檚 disparate sectarian branches.
Gaza civilians face airstrikes with 鈥榞o-bags鈥� and comforting catsIsraeli airstrikes on Gaza reminded local residents how suddenly war can disrupt their lives. How do civilians prepare for and cope with that threat?
First LookIn Afghanistan, underground schools offer hope for girlsWith no sign the Taliban will reopen schools,聽parents are exploring other ways to keep education from stalling for a generation of young women. Although Taliban officials insist the schools will reopen soon, hardliners within the movement have thwarted the idea.聽
Their cup overflows: Why future is bright for Saudi coffee growersSaudi Arabia鈥檚 mountainous southwest is steeped in the culture of coffee cultivation. Officials hope the local brew, in demand in trendy Saudi cafes, is poised to make a splash around the world.
Iran nuclear talks progress, but is it enough to save the deal?President Obama said the 2015 Iran nuclear deal was built on verification, not trust. As governments examine the latest document agreed to by negotiators, the main obstacle to a renewed deal remains distrust.