All Middle East
First LookIran taunts British with videos of tanker ship seizureIran released video and audio recordings of the seizure of the HMS Stena Impero, suggesting聽Britain's once mighty Navy was unable to save the ship.
First LookLebanese lose faith in politicians as economy faltersThe public has grown distrustful of the political class widely considered corrupt and steeped in personal rivalries. Taxes, utility bills, and prices have increased in recent years while income has stagnated.
The ball is in Europe鈥檚 court to save Iran nuclear dealEurope may be the best hope for salvaging the Iran nuclear deal amid rising tensions between Tehran and Washington in the Persian Gulf.
First LookStruggling with a sanctioned economy, Iranians turn to BitcoinFacing an economy crippled by U.S. sanctions, Iranians are turning to Bitcoin to make extra money. The currency's lack of regulations, however, are making some in the U.S. and Iranian governments wary.聽
A police killing puts racism on the agenda. This time in Israel.The outrage and protests that followed the death of an Ethiopian Jew are forcing Israel to confront anti-black racism as a real problem.
First LookIran women protest mandatory hijabs by going withoutWomen in Tehran haven't been wearing mandatory hijabs in public, and many others opt for loosely draped scarves instead of the usual wrap. But the debate has further polarized Iranians as pressure from U.S. sanctions increases.聽聽
US-Iran escalation: It鈥檚 message-sending, but the risks are highThe U.S. and Iran want something from the other. But they鈥檙e expressing that through sanctions and Gulf provocations that can slip out of control.
From Darfur to Israel to US, refugee refines his fight for SudanMutasim Ali, an activist detained in his native Sudan and in Israel, is heading to Washington for a second law degree and enhanced influence.
First LookSome Iranians embrace American culture with a Coke and a smileSanctions from the U.S. have not stopped the influx of Western culture into Iran. From soft drinks to movie stars, Iran's youth find聽American lifestyle "very attractive."聽
First LookIran breaks nuclear deal, enriches uranium to 4.5%On Monday, Iran began enriching uranium to 4.5%, breaking the limit of 3.67% set by its 2015 nuclear deal. Higher enrichment and a growing stockpile could narrow the one-year window Iran would need to stockpile material for an atomic bomb.
The ExplainerMoney first, politics later. Did Bahrain advance Mideast peace?After decades of frustration in Israeli-Palestinian peace efforts, Trump has vowed to succeed where others have failed. How his approach is working.
First LookYoung classical musicians in Tehran offer respite from realityAmid strains from U.S. sanctions, a surprise: Younger audiences and musicians in Iran find delight in Western classical music.聽
Russian missiles for Turkey? What鈥檚 at stake as collision looms.For years NATO watchers have looked on with concern as Turkey has courted Russia. Now a missile deal has become a pivotal issue of Turkish identity.
US-Iran clash enters cyber realm and tests a Trump strategyAs the U.S.-Iran confrontation moves into the cyber realm, in addition to the physical, it also helps make an argument for restraint.
First LookIran breaks uranium stockpile limit from 2015 dealIran announced June 17 it would exceed the limit, its first major breach of the deal. European leaders have met to find ways to save the deal, with U.S.-Iran tensions mounting and Iran threatening to enrich closer to weapons-grade levels.
Iranian leaders shun 鈥榗halice of poison鈥�Iran is unlikely to cave to pressure it feels from the United States, analysts say. Because Ayatollah Khomeini once did. 聽
First LookVerbal sparring continues as Iran calls US sanctions 'idiotic'Responding to new U.S. sanctions against Iran's top leadership, Tehran says the measures signaled a 鈥減ermanent closure鈥� for future diplomacy. As tensions rise, members of the White House maintain the door to a diplomatic solution is still open.聽
US-Iran standoff: Mutual provocations, and moves to de-escalateIran has shot down a U.S. drone. The U.S. is adding sanctions. But both sides show interest in pulling back from the risk of an unintentional war.
Why an opposition win in Istanbul weakens Erdo臒an鈥檚 gripTurkey鈥檚 ruling party lost a rerun of Istanbul鈥檚 mayoral election, giving opponents a platform to challenge President Erdo臒an鈥檚 grip on power.聽
First LookIranians stuck between US sanctions and Tehran's hardline stanceIran鈥檚 80 million residents struggle to cope with devaluation, inflation, and unemployment made worse by U.S. sanctions. Iranians blame their own government as well as Washington.