All Middle East
- FocusKerry has advice for Maliki, but the US has few good options in Iraq
John Kerry said the Sunni Arab uprising in Iraq posed an 'existential' threat to the country today. But what the US can or should do about it is something else again.
- FocusBriefing: What is the Islamic State In Iraq and the Levant (ISIS)?
A backgrounder on an extremist organization that is one of the Sunni Arab factions fighting and winning ground against the central government in Iraq.
- In looted Kirkuk armory, hints of the Iraqi crisis endgame
The Iraqi military fled from the oil city, leaving behind their weapons for rebels and smugglers. As Secretary of State John Kerry seeks unity in Baghdad, Kurds are expanding their territory.
- Egypt tightens muzzle on media, sentences Al Jazeera reporters to prison
The verdict is part of a crackdown against those who disagree with Egypt's army-backed government. Observers say the journalists are being punished for doing their job.
- In northeast Lebanon, a growing Syrian rebel threat
A car bomb in the town of Arsal on Friday revived fears of Syria's conflict spreading. In Lebanon's east, Syrian rebel fighters are targeting locals for extortion and assassination.
- Kerry talks democracy in Egypt – and promises delivery of weapons
Egyptian President Sisi received Secretary of State John Kerry in Cairo today. Sisi is gathering international support for his presidency, and the US is promising to resume delivery of Apache attack helicopters.
- Among Istanbul's birdsong lovers, an echo of Greek past
The sport of finch-keeping for cafe contests, where birds are ranked on the quality and quantity of their melodies, has its roots in Istanbul's multi-ethnic past.
- In Iraqi shrine city, call to arms reverberates loudly
Sunni militants have said they want to 'cleanse' the city of Karbala, where the revered Imam Hussein died on the battlefield 1,300 years ago. Shiites say his example could not be more relevant today.
- In Gaza, women see a future in high-tech startups
Gaza Sky Geeks’ fourth annual Start-Up Weekend drew record numbers, and women accounted for half of those making one-minute pitches.
- With gritty determination, Iraqi Shiites rush to fight ISIS militants
Recruitment centers say they have been overwhelmed since Grand Ayatollah Sistani called on Shiites to defend Iraq and its holy shrines.
- Facing ISIS threat, Kurdish fighters favor US air power
Kurds have carved out a semi-autonomous homeland in northern Iraq that's now threatened by Sunni militants. Kurdish officials say they can help US warplanes spot targets.
- Maliki or ISIS? Neither looks good to Sunni Awakening veterans
The Sunni Arab fighters who stood against jihadis during the US war in Iraq feel betrayed by Shiite Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki. But they also fear the advance of ISIS.
- ISIS advance in Iraq forces Gulf donors to rethink their patronage
Gulf donors who backed rival militants in Syria's civil war are being drawn to ISIS by its success in Iraq, whose government accuses Saudi Arabia of supporting a Sunni rebellion.
- The ExplainerIsrael's search for kidnapped teens: What is known so far, and what it means
What began as an operation to bring the teens home has turned into a much wider crackdown on Hamas – and potentially an escalation in violence.
- As ISIS advances, what future for Iraqi Christians?
Tens of thousands of Iraqi Christians have fled Mosul and its region after ISIS seized the city, uprooting communities tied to some of the earliest Christian societies.
- From Paris, with sand: La Traviata opera rocks desert fortress
Verdi’s tragic love story draws thousands to the foot of Masada, a dramatic mountain fortress where Jews jumped to their deaths rather than be captured by Romans.
- Palestinian unity government confronts divided police forces
After seven years apart, Hamas and Fatah face a challenge to merge their rival security forces. The story of two cops in Gaza underscores the task ahead.
- Why ISIS gains in Iraq are reshaping Syrian regime's war strategy
Syria's regime has relied on Shiite fighters to claw back territory from rebels. A draw down of Iraqi Shiites to defend the homeland from ISIS militants puts more strain on Hezbollah.
- Israeli youth kidnappings: How focus on Hamas impacts Palestinian unity pact
Israel’s blaming of Hamas may bolster its case against the terrorist organization, but could also undermine crucial coordination between Israeli and Palestinian security forces.
- Why were kidnapped Israeli teens hitchhiking in the West Bank?
Amid a massive search, questions swirl about where the boys are being held, or if they are still alive. Despite living in a conflict zone, many Israeli settlers hitchhike in the West Bank, often waiting for rides on roads frequented by Palestinian drivers.