All Middle East
- FocusCan Iraq hold together? How the new Shiite premier is doing.
The Obama administration has long advocated a more inclusive government in Baghdad. Shiite Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi still has much to do.
- After deadly attack on Hezbollah, militant group weighs its response
An Israeli raid over the weekend led to the highest number of Hezbollah deaths since a 2006 month-long war between the two. Hezbollah will now have to carefully weigh its desire to inflict a punishing message without escalating the situation further.
- Real 'Lone Survivor' hero seeks safety in US from Taliban, and he's not alone
The Afghan hero made famous by the 'Lone Survivor' movie is seeking asylum in the United States, as well as thousands of others who supported US troops.
- Israel elections 101: Women demand spots on ultra-Orthodox party lists
A new group of devoutly religious women, 'No voice, no vote,' is threatening to withhold support from Israel's ultra-Orthodox political parties unless they are represented on party lists. A tough battle awaits.
- The Great Wall of Saudi Arabia?
Saudi Arabia is building a 600-mile barrier on their border with Iraq designed to keep Islamic State militants out.
- US reporter going to trial, Iran says. Did mother's visit help?
The mother of Jason Rezaian, jailed nearly half a year, says she'd like to think her recent trip in which she visited her son and confronted Iranian officials helped 'speed some things along.'
- Seriously, a fatwa against snowmen? Saudis push back on Twitter.
A prominent Saudi cleric issued a religious ruling against snowmen and other creatures, suggesting 'lifeless' forms such as boats and fruits instead.
- Egypt's Sisi urges religious moderation, but no space for insulting images
President Abdel Fattah al Sisi recently called on Muslim clerics to eschew intolerant teachings as a counterweight to extremism. But Egypt's show of solidarity with Charlie Hebdo is offset by a new decree on press freedom.
- How much has Iran helped Iraq against Islamic State? The answer is political.
Some Iraqi Shiite officials credit Iran with saving Baghdad from Islamic State forces, deriding US military support as ineffective or slow. But Sunnis say Iranian assistance comes at a high price.
- Cairo bathhouse acquittals: Was TV reporter too close to the story?
Debauchery charges brought against 26 men arrested at a Cairo bathhouse spurred international condemnation. In Egypt, a reporter's presence during the police raid raised a storm of criticism.
- In Israel, anguish and a dash of politics in solidarity with France
Prime Minister Netanyahu has arranged for the Jewish victims to be buried in Israel tomorrow, and warns Europe it’s time to unite against Islamic fundamentalism.
- Experts cast doubt on Spiegel claim of Syrian nuclear facility
What the German magazine describes as a 'secret' Syrian military site has been known to military analysts for some time, and is generally viewed as a weapons depot or communications hub.
- Asian soccer tournament is field of dreams for Palestine's players
Palestine has qualified for the first time for the Asia Cup, hosted by Australia. Palestinian officials say that Israeli security restrictions have held back the national soccer team and see its participation as a symbol of global recognition.
- House of Saud divided: Generational shift seen in royal succession battle
The deteriorating health of King Abdullah, a son of the founding monarch Ibn Saud, has Saudi royals preparing for a succession battle that will focus mostly on who will be the next crown prince.
- Israel elections 101: How fractures on political right could hurt Netanyahu
Three former Likud colleagues of Netanyahu, now his political rivals, are leading their own parties in Israel's March elections. By splitting the right-wing vote, could they swing the next coalition to the left?
- Israeli study: Suicide attacks nearly doubled worldwide in 2014
Conflict in the Middle East, and the rise of Islamic State, helped drive a spike in attacks. Researchers also noted a sharp increase in incidents in Nigeria and Afghanistan.
- To take Israel to court, Palestinians say they're willing to pay the price
After Mahmoud Abbas's move to join the International Criminal Court, Israel is withholding $127 million in tax revenues from the Palestinian Authority, and US action could follow.
- How Shiite rebels in Yemen are helping Sunni Al Qaeda militants
The increasingly sectarian conflict in Yemen has led to a surge in Sunni support for the militant group, which in recent months has faced rising Shiite power, US airstrikes, and competition from the Islamic State.
- Muslims urged to visit contested Jerusalem holy site: Will tolerance prevail?
Iyad Madani, the secretary-general of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, called for other Muslims to make the pilgrimage to East Jerusalem's Al-Aqsa Mosque to support Palestinian claims to the site.
- Is Lebanon closing its door to Syrian refugees?
Lebanon says the influx of refugees from Syria's civil war has boosted its population by a third and strained resources. On Monday, it imposed new visa rules for Syrians.