All Middle East
Iran crisis: Why Gulf Arabs increasingly see US as a liabilityPresident Trump鈥檚 clash with Iran, which blindsided America鈥檚 Gulf Arab allies, strengthened the case that an erratic U.S. is becoming a liability.
First LookIran missile attack on U.S. bases in Iraq: A de-escalation move?Iran fired a barrage of ballistic missiles at two Iraqi military bases that house American troops. Why this may offer an off-ramp away from war.聽
US troops out of Iraq? What that would mean for both countries.A vote in Iraq鈥檚 Parliament and a general鈥檚 draft letter suggest U.S. forces could soon leave. Neither party would benefit, say analysts, just Iran.
Women鈥檚 rights, religious sensibilities. Can Israel respect both?Are a woman鈥檚 鈥渞ight鈥� to wear shorts and a religious man鈥檚 鈥渞ight鈥� not to see her on an equal footing? It's a pressing issue in pluralistic Israel.
First LookSoleimani blowback: Iran preps to build nuclear bombIran says it will no longer abide by the limits outlined in the 2015 nuclear deal and Iraq's Parliament called for the expulsion of all U.S. troops.
Why US assassination of Soleimani is unlikely to deter IranPresident Trump鈥檚 decision to kill Gen. Soleimani is seen as an acute escalation, raising questions about U.S. expectations. Was there a disconnect?
First LookUS assassinates Iranian general in Iraq. How did we get here?A U.S. drone strike that killed a top Iranian general in Baghdad is聽the latest in a series of escalating incidents between the U.S. and Iran.聽
In Israel, Orthodox women are fighting to be heard ... and seenGender segregation among devout Jews has been expanding in Israel, but Orthodox women are combating what they see as their marginalization.
Forged in battle, protected by honor: A warm wool hatWhat values are in a hat? In a Tunis souk, an exclusive society of hat-masters ruled by a code and tradition manufacture the iconic wool chachiya.
First LookWhy Iran-US tensions flare in IraqProtests follow a U.S. strike on an Iran-backed militia. They also come as anti-government protesters in Iraq have attacked Iranian diplomatic sites.
First LookProtesting airstrikes, militia supporters breach US Embassy in BaghdadThe attack, for which President Trump blamed Iran, represents a major downturn in Iraq-US relations, which could weaken DC鈥檚 campaign against Tehran.
For Palestinians, sudden wave of election talk rekindles hopePromises of progress in the Middle East are often viewed with skepticism. But a hunger for democracy makes talk of Palestinian elections tantalizing.
First LookIsrael鈥檚 Netanyahu shores up base but obstacles remainBenjamin Netanyahu handily won a primary in Israel this week, but the recently indicted prime minister now faces tough national elections in March.
First LookIn Lebanon, protesters fight despair with fellowshipAs Lebanon protests against corruption drag on, people are coming together across sectarian lines to support one another and keep the movement alive.
First LookJustice for Khashoggi? Saudis sentence 5 to die for his killing.Independent United Nations investigator condemns verdicts in Jamal Khashoggi killing as a 鈥渕ockery,鈥� saying masterminds 鈥渉ave barely been touched.鈥�
鈥楩rom Midwest to Middle East鈥�: Taylor Luck on keeping an open heart (audio)So how did the Monitor鈥檚 Taylor Luck become a Middle East correspondent? In his own words, he 鈥渏umped from the Midwest to the Middle East with an open heart and an open mind.鈥�
First LookLebanon delays PM designation seven weeks after resignationSaad al-Hariri, the former prime minister of Lebanon,聽was expected to be nominated for the fourth time. Now, his successor's nomination is delayed.聽
First LookEgypt gas deal makes Israel a major energy exporterIsrael hopes to revolutionize its economy using nearby natural gas fields, despite concerns from environmental and social welfare activists.
The real story behind a charred Iraqi shrine: Resentment of IranIs Iran鈥檚 power waning in Iraq? Popular resentment toward Iranian overreach is growing, as the violence at a Najaf shrine showed.
First LookUN report says Libya will be new frontier for Islamic StateCaught in a civil war driven by foreign interference, Libya may become a hotbed for ISIL activity, a report by a panel of United Nations experts says.