All Middle East
Daisies and daggers: In Saudi mountains, garlands crown the braveDo beauty and bravery go together? As values they鈥檙e not opposite, if sometimes incongruous. But in the remote southwest corner of Saudi Arabia, their pairing makes perfect sense.
In Pictures: A taste of Afghanistan helps these bakers find home in IndiaIn India, these naanwais may have left Afghanistan behind, but they鈥檝e brought a slice of home with them.聽
Lebanese vote shows demand for change. But enough to build on?Lebanese elections showed gains by candidates promoting change. But most voters still backed sectarian parties, an indication of fear and fatigue.
CommentaryCourage seeking truth: Shireen鈥檚 lesson for younger journalistsShireen Abu Akleh, the Palestinian American journalist killed covering an Israeli military raid, was an inspiring pioneer and warm mentor.
First LookParade of world leaders to U.A.E. shows its global influenceFrench President Emmanuel Macron was the first of many to arrive this weekend to pay their respects to the nation's late ruler, a聽sign of Abu Dhabi鈥檚 influence in Western and Arab capitals.聽
What鈥檚 drawing the US back into Libya? Ukraine, Russia, and oil.What many Libyans want is democracy and stability. What they have is oil. Can the U.S. play the role of mediator, or has war in Ukraine made its motives suspect?
First LookTaliban order Afghan women to cover up head to toeTaliban rulers on Saturday ordered all Afghan women to wear head-to-toe clothing in public 鈥撀爐he latest in a series of repressive edicts, not all of which have been implemented.
This take on women鈥檚 independence packs a (peppery) punchThe spicy condiment harissa, a valued staple in Tunisia, created an opportunity for rural women to work together to gain security, equity, and independence.
First LookJordan, once fertile, is pushing back as desert encroachesIn Jordan, one of the world's driest nations, local organizations are planting native species and working with herders to revitalize once fertile land. A U.N. report out Wednesday warns urgent action is needed worldwide to prevent further land degradation.
Jerusalem erupts: Why Israeli, Arab bid to thwart violence fell shortIsrael and its Arab partners, eager to avoid Jerusalem clashes during Ramadan and Passover, nevertheless neglected to address a Palestinian hunger for a political solution.
On former front line in long Afghan war, an appreciation for peaceFor many on what were the Taliban鈥檚 front lines in Wardak province, the end of the war in Afghanistan has proved more important than who is in charge.
Turkey drops murder case against Saudis, seeks Gulf aidTurkey鈥檚 eagerness to bring Jamal Khashoggi鈥檚 killers to justice has dimmed now that an economic crisis means President Erdo臒an聽is seeking Saudi investment.
Ukraine war food crisis hits Arab world markets, right at RamadanWhat does the world鈥檚 interconnectedness mean at a personal level? For Muslim Arabs this Ramadan, the Ukraine war is an unwelcome guest at a depleted holiday table.
First LookAmid war truce, Yemen鈥檚 President Hadi cedes power to councilOn Thursday, Yemen鈥檚 exiled President Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi transferred his powers to a presidential council. It remains to be seen whether the move will help prolong a recent two-month truce and bring an end to the civil war that has been raging since 2014.
鈥楪iving back is a universal form of faith.鈥� Can Tunisia revive unused trusts?In Tunisia, an ancient social welfare system of charitable trusts, underutilized for decades, could be a way to lighten the burden on a cash-strapped government.
First LookTurkey hands Khashoggi case over to Saudi Arabia, sparking outcryOn Thursday, a court in Turkey decided to transfer journalist Jamal Khashoggi鈥檚 murder case to Saudi Arabia for trial. Human rights groups warn the decision could result in a cover-up, given that 26 Saudi nationals are accused of the killing.聽
First LookThey speak for the trees: Cairo residents fight for green spaceGrand development projects in Cairo, including the construction of huge new highways, are coming at the expense of the desert city鈥檚 trees. Now, residents are pushing back against the government to protect their arboreal neighbors.
As Israel takes in Ukrainian Jews, some ask: Should it do more?How welcoming should a country be to refugees? In Israel, created as a refuge for Jews, the issue is existential, and is being tested by the Ukraine crisis.
First LookWhy the Taliban now preserve Buddha statues they once targetedWhen the Taliban first rose to power in Afghanistan two decades ago, they destroyed ancient Buddha statues in the central region. Now, in hopes of securing a Chinese mining contract, they鈥檙e preserving Buddha statues that sit atop a 2,000-year-old copper mine.聽
First LookBlinken tries to reassure Israel, Arab allies ahead of Iran nuke dealThe Biden administration is working to revive the 2015 nuclear deal, which placed curbs on Iran's nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief. Israel is hosting four Arab nations in a summit.聽