All Middle East
First LookIn Afghanistan, Iran, and Pakistan, Shiite Muslims mark AshouraMillions of Shiite Muslims are marking the festival of Ashoura that commemorates the martyrdom of the Prophet Muhammad鈥檚 grandson, Hussein. In Taliban-run Afghanistan, security forces are on high alert for any violence that could mar the celebrations.
First LookIsrael and Palestinian militants reach cease-fire: Will it hold?Israeli aircraft have pummeled Gaza since Friday, while the Iran-backed Palestinian Jihad militant group has fired hundreds of rockets at Israel in response.
First LookFirst Ukrainian grain shipment lands in Lebanon, bringing hopeThe Razoni is the聽first ship to depart a Ukrainian Black Sea port since Russia invaded, disrupting food supplies in Africa and the Middle East.
First LookKabul chaos: Shiites bombed, Zawahri killing protests fill streetsA bomb killed eight people in the Shiite area of Kabul, Afghanistan, Friday. The attack has yet to be claimed but suspicions fall on the Islamic State group. Hundreds of Afghans also rallied to protest the U.S. drone strike that killed聽Al Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahri.
First LookDevastation in Gaza after new wave of Israeli airstrikesDays after the arrest of a senior Islamic Jihad leader, an Israeli airstrike descended on Gaza leaving at least 10 fatalities, Palestinian officials have announced. The strike left at least 55 others injured and was in response to an 鈥渋mminent threat,鈥� Israeli officials say.
Afghanistan mystery: Why was Al Qaeda鈥檚 leader in Kabul?The drone strike that killed Al Qaeda鈥檚 leader in Kabul reveals a lack of trust between the U.S. and Taliban. But was the Doha agreement broken, or were there just differing views on how to keep it?
First LookTwo decades after 9/11, bin Laden's deputy killed by drone strikeAl Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahri worked with Osama bin Laden to plan the 9/11 terrorist attacks and other high profile attacks on聽 U.S. targets. The CIA operation is a significant counterterrorism win just 11 months after President Biden withdrew U.S. troops from Afghanistan.
First LookAmid Iraqi power struggle, occupation of parliament has joyful airThe occupation of Iraq鈥檚 parliament by followers of a prominent Shiite cleric is fueled by demands for early elections, constitutional amendments, and the ousting of political opponents.
Democracy falls quietly in Tunisia, yet it reverberates around regionThe perceived failure of democracy to guarantee Tunisians both liberty and prosperity helps explain the muted response to the president鈥檚 authoritarian power grab.
First LookSyrians in Lebanon fear deportation, see Europe as beaconLebanon says it can no longer afford 1 million Syrian refugees on its soil because of its economic meltdown. The government plans on sending back 15,000 refugees per month, but many say they鈥檇 rather try to travel to Europe because Syria鈥檚 economy is in tatters.
First LookAfter Khashoggi, US aims to shield dissidents from Saudi threatsAs authoritarian regimes try to silence critics around the world, American authorities are working to protect dissidents in the U.S. from harassment and threats. Prosecution against a man who harassed critics of Saudi Arabia, most of whom are women, exemplifies that effort.
Ballroom dancing brings comfort, relief to Syrians during warIn Damascus, a dance studio helps Syrians cope with the dire political and economic situation caused by the 11-year war. Instructor Adnan Mohammed sees dancing as a welcome form of release.
Can Joe Biden build back the crumbling US-Saudi alliance?If President Biden can restore a trusting partnership with Saudi Arabia, it may come from each longtime ally honestly saying what it needs from the other.
Biden in Israel: A meeting of the (moderate) minds?Joe Biden鈥檚 meeting in Israel with Yair Lapid brings together leaders who embrace moderation, potentially opening the door to cooperation.
First LookUAE: Has fuel become too expensive even for its biggest producers?The Russian invasion of Ukraine has triggered soaring gas prices across the world, affecting even oil-rich countries like the United Arab Emirates. The price surge in the Emirates is an acknowledgement that not even oil producers are not immune to global market forces.
How a soccer program in Gaza heals woundsIn Gaza, a soccer program is guiding young amputees who, through determination, are regaining access to a game that was the object of their passion and a focus of their identity.
FocusWhat Saudi Arabia鈥檚 surge into a post-oil future means for its peopleProgress can come with a cost. Saudi Arabia鈥檚 drive to modernize its economy is transforming all facets of society, creating opportunities, and challenges, for its people.
First LookAfghanistan earthquake: Taliban asks for help, rescuers rush to aidA magnitude 6.1 earthquake struck in the Afghanistan鈥檚 mountainous east Wednesday causing wide-spread damage, with early reports of 1,000 lives lost. While many global humanitarian organizations recently pulled out of the nation, efforts are under way to send aid.
First LookIsrael dissolves parliament. Will Netanyahu return?Prime Minister Naftali Bennett announced Monday his decision to disband his coalition government and hold elections.聽鈥淭ogether, we got Israel out of the pit [of recurring elections]... We brought to center stage the values of fairness and trust," he said.鈥�
Diverse Israeli coalition made history. But has it been a success?The now-fraying Israeli government, formed a year ago, is a grand experiment in diversity and cooperation. Is that enough to leave a positive legacy?