All Middle East
In Gaza, surge of coronavirus spurs fears and a jolt of pragmatismA recent surge of coronavirus cases in Gaza has had a bracing effect, bringing Hamas and Israel to step back from escalating hostilities.
Why US wants Saudis to follow UAE鈥檚 path to nuclear energyAs the rules-heavy U.S. competes with China for the direction of the Saudi nuclear program, it can point to the UAE鈥檚 by-the-book civilian reactor.
US offers a way off terrorism list. Is price right for Sudanese?To get off its list of terrorism supporters, the U.S. is offering post-dictatorship Sudan a 鈥渄iscounted鈥� price. Many Sudanese have other priorities.
Why power-broker Hezbollah is still rocked by Beirut blastWith Lebanese demanding reforms, especially after the Beirut port blast, Hezbollah is now tarnished as an insider, even among its rank and file.
Why Afghan government is pushing more Taliban-style policiesAhead of fateful talks with the Taliban, the Afghanistan government must maintain support from both progressive and conservative segments in society.
Feeling betrayed by UAE, Palestinians seek to redefine struggleThe UAE-Israel deal is more than a diplomatic setback for Palestinians. It鈥檚 the collapse of a conceptual framework for achieving their aspirations.
First LookEncouraged by UAE move, Sudan seeks peace deal with IsraelDesperate to lift sanctions linked to its listing as a state sponsor of terror, Sudan is close to reaching a peace agreement with Israel. This marks the second diplomatic breakthrough for Israel and its Arab neighbors in a matter of days.
UAE deal shakes up Israeli views 鈥� of Netanyahu and the regionAttitudes in Israel often seem calcified, but the announcement of a path to normalized relations with the UAE is shaking up political thinking.
Jordan squelches news of teacher protests. It's still paying a price.Spurred, perhaps, by an economy weakened by the coronavirus pandemic, Jordan鈥檚 harsh response to teachers鈥� protests has been a surprise.
First Look鈥楬istoric moment鈥�: Israel and UAE form deal, halt annexationThe United Arab Emirates is聽the first Gulf Arab state聽to establish full diplomatic ties with Israel. U.S. President Donald Trump is hailing it as a win, but Palestinians are skeptical of the deal.
Beirut鈥檚 challenge: A wealth of volunteers and a deficit of trustAs the Lebanese people get about cleaning up and rebuilding Beirut, who can they count on to coordinate efforts and efficiently distribute aid?
First LookLebanon's PM follows Cabinet in stepping down after Beirut blastPrime minister Hassan Diab steps down as Lebanon's Cabinet dissolves amid public fury after an Aug. 4 explosion in Beirut. The Cabinet will assume a caretaker roll while a new government is formed. The blast killed at least 160 people, injured 6,000, and left 300,000 homeless.
First LookWorld pledges to help Lebanese, but not Beirut governmentNearly $300 million in humanitarian aid was pledged Sunday to Lebanon in the wake of Beirut explosion. But donors are wary of government corruption.聽
For Lebanese, government dysfunction has a new, tragic costFor Lebanese people tired of widespread corruption and dysfunctional government, the Beirut blast was a tragic affirmation of their grievances.
First LookWhat happened in Beirut? Evidence suggests fireworks accident.Analysts say popcorn sounds and spark patterns captured in videos of the seaport blast suggest a frenzy of fireworks detonated more than 2,700 tons of ammonium nitrate. Questions remain about the fire that ignited the fireworks and the storage conditions of the explosives.
First LookMysterious, massive explosion in Beirut flattens portA massive explosion went off at a port in Beirut on Tuesday, killing at least 50 people and injuring 2,700. The cause of the blast was not immediately known, but could be from highly explosive material that was confiscated from a ship some time ago and stored at the port.
In Israel, coronavirus brings out a new generation of protestersYounger Israelis seen as apathetic by their elders have suddenly taken to the streets to protest the government鈥檚 handling of the coronavirus.
First LookIn heat-struck Iraq, power shortages prompt protestsIraq's energy crisis is coming to a head as the country faces heat waves, lockdowns, and blackouts.聽Two protesters were killed by security forces in Baghdad last week while demonstrating against power cuts.
Hajj without the crowds: How pilgrims are perseveringThe hajj is perhaps the quintessential mass participation religious rite. Yet deprived of crowds by the coronavirus, the pilgrimage still has meaning.
Signs of hope for troubled Afghanistan peace talks?Peace has been a tough sell in Afghanistan. Yet cause for optimism can be found, including with one hardened Taliban fighter the Monitor has tracked.