World | Middle East
Syrian civil war: What rebels’ lightning gains say about Assad regimeSyria’s devastating civil war, responsible for more than 300,000 deaths, was never officially resolved. Lightning gains by rebels opposed to President Bashar al-Assad were opportunistic, but also indicated years of patient preparations.
Trump’s Mideast team: A familiar look for a transformed regionDonald Trump has put together a Mideast team charged with building on his first term’s successes. But in a region shaken by the war in Gaza, can the deal-making president achieve a historic peace agreement with a pro-Israel team?
Israel enjoys upper hand as ceasefire signals Hezbollah’s limitsHezbollah has emerged from its war with Israel leaderless and weak, no longer the force that Iran has depended on. Will Israel seek to take advantage of Tehran’s vulnerability?
First LookAfter months of war, officials say Israel has agreed to a ceasefire with LebanonIsrael has dealt massive blows against Hezbollah since going on the offensive in September. Now, a ceasefire appears to be on the table, as fighting still rages in Lebanon and Gaza.
Israeli settlers see Trump’s win as aiding goal of annexing West BankThe pro-settlement movement in Israel is exulting at what it perceives as a possible green light from the incoming Trump Middle East team to pursue annexation of the West Bank.
First LookIsrael-Hezbollah conflict widens after Israeli strike kills Lebanese soldierIsrael's attacks are aimed at Hezbollah militants, but a fatal weekend strike hit Lebanon's army center, igniting a heavy barrage in the ongoing war.
Amid Gaza food shortages, ICC issues arrest warrant for NetanyahuICC issues arrest warrant for Benjamin Netanyahu and Yoav Gallant for allegedly depriving Gazans of essential items. Local merchants and gangs worsen the shortages.
Facing Trump 2.0, Palestinians voice rising concern: What’s our plan?U.S.-Palestinian relations under the first Trump administration ran aground over the relocation of the U.S. Embassy in Israel to Jerusalem, among other issues. A flurry of diplomacy is not dispelling the notion of postelection Palestinian disarray.
In wartime Gaza, turning meager olive harvest into oil is an act of defianceFarming by its nature puts people in touch with their land and their traditions. In besieged Gaza, after more than a year of war, the olive harvest and production of its oil are a source of resilience.
When Hezbollah rockets are incoming, and you can’t reach the shelterHezbollah’s intensified rocket barrages against northern Israeli communities have created conflicting impulses among residents: supporting war, yet eager to end it.
In Lebanon, Hezbollah pays high political cost for its war with IsraelIn peace, Lebanon’s stability depends on a frail political balance. Now for many Lebanese enduring war with Israel, Hezbollah’s unique status as a heavily armed state-within-a-state is increasingly a problem.
First LookQatar halts its Israel-Hamas mediation efforts, citing lack of ‘good faith’The announcement comes after growing frustration with the lack of progress on a cease-fire deal. But one official said Saturday that Qatar is highly likely to return to the efforts if both sides show “serious political willingness” to reach a deal on the war in Gaza.
First Look‘An act of madness’: Protests erupt after Netanyahu fires defense minister Yoav GallantYoav Gallant was a moderating force in the Netanyahu government and had a strong relationship with U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin. His firing comes as Israel wages war in Gaza, Lebanon, and on multiple other fronts.
Amid costly war with Israel, Hezbollah faces fire from its own supportersHezbollah has long assured its Shiite Lebanese base that when the time came, it would robustly defend Lebanon and punish Israel. Now, amid another destructive war, many supporters are losing faith. Can it win them back?
French women flock to Gisèle Pelicot rape trial, ‘to show her that she’s not alone’
Supreme Court will hear largest transgender rights case in US history
High-profile scandals lead to high-profile local reforms in California
The Monitor's ViewA questionable pardon’s deeper resonance
A French rape victim goes public. She makes ‘shame change sides.’
