All Middle East
鈥楽omething human鈥�: Mideast fight against virus elicits rare unityIsraelis and Palestinians mount a collaborative response to the coronavirus, rising above their divisive politics.
Amid uncertainty, Afghan youth cling tight to what they鈥檝e gainedYoung Afghans were hopeful for peace, but are concerned by political instability in Kabul and wary of a return to Taliban rule.
First LookAfghanistan swears in two presidents as US troops withdrawThe U.S. troop withdrawal from Afghanistan marks a step forward on the U.S.-Taliban peace deal. But confusion in the Afghanistan government could threaten the next phase: releasing Taliban prisoners.
First LookRussia-Turkey truce in Syria: Just 'time for fighters to rest'?The presidents of Russia and Turkey reached an agreement which may end fighting in northern Syria, now in its ninth-year of conflict. But critics are skeptical the truce will last.
First LookIsraeli election: Netanyahu leads but not enough yet to governWith 90 percent of votes counted in Israel's third election this year, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu does not yet have a majority in parliament necessary to form a new government.聽
After US deal, Afghans see long road to peace. Still, they hope.Afghanistan鈥檚 people are holding on to their hopes for peace, even as the details of the U.S.-Taliban deal require they do so with abundant caution.
Inside the Taliban: What these jihadis say about long-sought peaceOur reporter ventured into Taliban-held territory to speak in person with jihadi fighters. They are not of one mind on peace in Afghanistan.
Israel鈥檚 Gantz is not Netanyahu. Is that enough?Israelis looking to unseat Mr. Netanyahu are confronting a tough question: Is it enough to run against someone without touting a positive alternative?
How Donald Trump is driving some Israeli Arabs to voteIsrael鈥檚 March 2 election represents a chance, in the eyes of many Arab Israelis, to vote for politicians who will defend their place as equals.
First LookEgypt's Mubarak: a symbol of autocratic misrule or stability?Former Egyptian President聽Hosni Mubarak, who was in power for almost three decades, died Tuesday. Forced to resign during Arab Spring protests in 2011, he was also a U.S. ally, repressed Islamic militancy, and defended peace with Israel.
Iran votes: How apathy and anger are fueling leaders鈥� uneaseAs Iranians head to the polls Friday, an increasingly dejected citizenry, and insecure leadership, are lowering projections for turnout.
First LookNetanyahu promises over 5,000 new homes in East JerusalemEmboldened by President Donald Trump's support and new Mideast plan, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu聽appears to be charging ahead with construction. On Thursday, he announced plans for a "mid-sized city" in an area Palestinians want for themselves.
Can 鈥榣ow-bar鈥� US-Taliban deal clear Afghanistan鈥檚 high hurdles?In Afghanistan, distrust and suspicions abound, but the U.S. and the Taliban are embarking on another search for a deal to end America's longest war.
First LookCommercial flights resume in Aleppo, symbolic amid warAfter the city fell into rebel hands in 2012,聽domestic flights between the country's largest cities were grounded. President聽Bashar al-Assad has reopened the airport this week as government forces consolidate control in Idlib province, the last rebel-held areas.聽聽
First LookNetanyahu corruption trial to begin amid national electionsBenjamin聽Netanyahu is charged with bribery, fraud, and accepting lavish gifts in exchange for regulatory favors.聽The timing of the March 17 trial against Israel's longest-serving prime minister could weaken his ability to form a new government.聽
Libya: Why Arab world is scrambling to join multinational conflictLibya鈥檚 oil and resources tempt outsiders. But at stake for the Arab world in Libya鈥檚 war is also the struggle between democracy and autocracy.
Annexation: What it means for Israel, the Palestinians, and peacePerhaps the most explosive idea in President Trump鈥檚 Middle East peace plan is that Israel could unilaterally annex portions of the West Bank.
First LookIraq's new PM: A credible path to progress amid street protests?On Sunday, some protestors rejected Iraq's new prime minister Mohammed Allawi. But Mr. Allawi is backed by Muqtada al-Sadr, a powerful Shiite cleric.
In Trump plan, Arab Israelis see assault on their identityArab citizens of Israel have long occupied a delicate position straddling two worlds. Now the Trump peace plan is seen as challenging hard-won gains.
Trump鈥檚 Mideast 鈥楧eal鈥�: Four questions on who gets whatPresident Trump came into office promising a plan for Mideast peace. After three years, we get a look at his vision for Israelis and Palestinians.