All Middle East
Another pandemic Ramadan in Jordan, but cannon鈥檚 boom is a balmPandemic lockdowns have interrupted holidays across the world. This Ramadan, Jordan is reviving a high-decibel tradition as a sort of audible comfort.
First LookNegligence blamed for massive blaze at Iraq hospitalRelatives searched for loved ones Sunday after a fire killed 82 people. Officials said the blaze began with an exploding oxygen cylinder.
Why Iran nuclear talks are moving ahead, despite Israeli attackRetaliate or negotiate? After the bombing at its nuclear site, Iran seemed to have a tactical choice. Doing both indicates a commitment to diplomacy.
US renews Palestinian ties with a tight focus: Helping peopleThe Biden administration says its renewed aid to the Palestinians is consistent with U.S. values and interests. But does it provide a path to peace?
First LookIran to enrich uranium by 60% yet wants relief on sanctionsAfter the latest attack on its nuclear facility, Iran said Tuesday it will begin enriching uranium up to 60% purity, up from 20%. This comes amid Iran鈥檚 nuclear talks with world powers to get relief on sanctions in exchange for limiting its uranium enrichment.
Afghanistan: Can Biden dodge failure and forge his own peace?Perhaps, in Afghanistan, success is the absence of failure. President Biden is trying to preserve both U.S. interests and Afghan progress.
First LookMuslims worldwide celebrate a second Ramadan in lockdownRamadan 鈥� a time for fasting, worship, and gatherings 鈥� begins this week. Although regulations vary, there is concern that Ramadan celebrations could spark a surge in COVID-19 cases.聽
First LookIran says Natanz nuclear facility was sabotaged. Was it Israel?Iran on Sunday described a blackout at its underground Natanz atomic facility an act of 鈥渘uclear terrorism.鈥� Suspicion fell immediately on Israel.
First LookOn Clubhouse, Arabs debate taboo topics 鈥� for nowHundreds of thousands of people in the Arab world are turning to Clubhouse, the fast-growing audio chat app, to debate sensitive and controversial topics. But concerns are mounting that the open space could soon come under government scrutiny or censorship.
First LookIn Egypt, women fight sexism and harassment with Thai boxingYoung women in Egypt are pushing for change in a country where they have long felt unsafe and disadvantaged. One group has taken up Thai boxing, which has empowered them to fight back against sexual harassment and violence.
It doesn鈥檛 happen here: Why 鈥榗oup plot鈥� in Jordan sent shock wavesJordan is a key U.S. ally and an important regional facilitator. Which is why just the hint of a destabilizing 鈥渃oup鈥� sent tremors far and wide.
First LookTrial underway: Five questions about Netanyahu's political fateAs Benjamin Netanyahu鈥檚 corruption trial begins, he鈥檚 also 鈥� separately 鈥� at risk of losing his position as Israeli prime minister. After inconclusive national elections, Israel鈥檚 parliament is trying to form a governing coalition, and it鈥檚 not clear if he鈥檒l be included.
First LookJordanian prince: A case of sedition or simply dissent?Jordanian authorities said Sunday they stopped a 鈥渕alicious plot鈥� by a former crown prince 鈥� King Abdullah鈥檚 half brother 鈥� to destabilize the kingdom.
First LookUS and Iran to begin indirect talks on nuclear programIn the first major step since the U.S. pulled out of an 2015 Iran nuclear accord, both the U.S. and Iran have agreed to resume negotiations. The participants in the accord, which include the E.U., China, and Russia, will meet in Vienna next week.
Yemen: Behind the Saudi 鈥榩eace offer,鈥� a US sales pitchIf the path to progress on Yemen runs through Riyadh, it may be because the U.S. and U.N. sold the Saudis on the value of a changed narrative.
First LookCan more tugboats and a 'king tide' free Suez Canal ship?A dozen tugboats will try to nudge the Ever Given free during high tide on Monday as dredgers continue to vacuum up sand from under the vessel.聽
First LookPassover in Israel: Celebrating pandemic progress and freedomIsraelis are enjoying what feels like a post-pandemic freedom, lending special significance to this year's Passover.
First LookHow does a cargo ship get stuck in the Suez Canal? And what now?Authorities, engineers, and onlookers had never seen anything like it: a cargo ship the size of a skyscraper lodged in the Suez Canal, blocking all traffic. Teams of experts are trying everything to free the ship, creating a scene that is equal parts serious and absurd.聽
First LookIsraeli election: Arab Islamist party could become kingmakerParliamentary elections have left Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu without a clear path to leadership. The United Arab List, predicted to have won five seats in the Knesset, is still deciding which parliamentary bloc to support.聽
Mideastern trio hopes that peace is in the air (and water)For peacemakers, finding common cause is a step toward resolving disputes. This Mideast group focuses on neighbors鈥� shared environmental concerns.