All Middle East
- Israel’s newest cyberwarriors: ultra-Orthodox Jews
A new program blending seminary study with cyber training is part of a broader Israeli effort to integrate its burgeoning ultra-Orthodox population into the army and workforce.
- Spicing up Israeli-Palestinian peace efforts
Tapping into Israel's growing foodie culture, a tour operator is bringing Israelis and tourists into Arab homes in northern Israel to teach them about the distinctive Galilean cuisine.
- Behind Syrian regime, a familiar US adversary: Iran
Iran has supplied troops, cash, and know-how to Syria's President Assad, who is standing for reelection on June 3. That support has been vital, but comes at a cost to Iran.
- A landslide for Egypt's Sisi in an 'undemocratic' election
Former military chief Sisi, who led a coup in Egypt last July, won 92 percent of the vote in an atmosphere of intimidation and extreme measures to boost voter turnout.
- To host ever more refugees, Jordan wants extra cash - no strings attached
Jordan, on track to house 1 million Syrian refugees by the end of 2014, desperately needs foreign aid, but is tired of the demands that come with it.
- Egypt extends voting by a day in latest bid to boost low turnout
Abdel Fattah al-Sisi is likely to win the presidential election by a landslide, but a large turnout is critical to his legitimacy. Egypt took extreme steps to encourage voting.
- Former army chief Sisi leads as Egyptians vote for president
Abdel Fattah al-SIsi is expected to win the presidency by a landslide. His candidacy has polarized Egypt, with supporters hailing him as a savior and critics calling him a killer.
- Lebanese president's term ends, with no one to take his place
Lebanese parliamentarians failed to elect a successor to outgoing president Michel Suleiman. The power vacuum could end a reprieve from car bombings and rocket attacks.
- Iranian small town teacher shaves head, becomes unlikely national hero
Ali Mohammadian's kindness toward a bullied student enraptured Iran, earning him a national stamp and possibly a mention in the education curriculum.
- Kid-friendly alternative to Facebook takes off in Israeli schools
The social network 'Nipagesh,' founded by an Israeli entrepreneur with a 10-year-old daughter, allows only schools to set up accounts, guaranteeing that everyone signed up is actually a kid.
- Lebanon tells Palestinian-Syrians it is safe to go back to Syria
Lebanon has begun deporting or refusing entry to Palestinian-Syrians seeking refuge in Lebanon. But the door seems to remain open to Syrian nationals.
- Lebanese patriarch joins Pope Francis in Israel, stirring controversy
It is against the law for Lebanese to visit Israel, but Cardinal Beshara Rai – the first patriarch of the Lebanese Maronite church to do so – says he has a duty to meet followers.
- How the Ukraine crisis made Iran a better US partner on Syria
US and Russia's relations are at their lowest point in decades as the US and Iran hold productive nuclear negotiations. A nuclear deal could unlock cooperation on fixing Syria.
- Rival Christian interests undermine Pope's message of Middle East peace
Israel wants Pope Francis to promote peace on his visit. But with Christians increasingly backing opposite sides of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, they may be calcifying the divide.
- In Iran, no room for 'Happy'
Young Iranians who filmed a version of the viral hit 'Happy' were arrested, then released. Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini once said, 'There is no fun in Islam.'
- Forced to flee Syria, young adult refugees stall out
Syrians in the early stages of their careers or finishing up university education have lost critical professional years. Personal dreams are also on hold.
- Supporters go all-in for Sabbahi, Egypt's long-shot presidential hopeful
Hamdeen Sabbahi is running against Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, hailed as Egypt's savior since leading a military takeover last summer. Sabbahi's supporters say his ideals won them over.
- Rogue Libyan general attracts militia support as parliament flails
Libyans are waiting to see how the government responds to Khalifa Haftar's recent attacks – but even decisive action is probably not enough to stem rising chaos.
- Maverick Libyan general steps into political void, stirring unrest
A retired general led attacks on Islamist militias in Benghazi, then moved onto Tripoli, where the parliament came under attack Sunday. It has since asked Islamist militia to restore order.
- In Tunisia an ancient Jewish pilgrimage, controversy – and hope
Every year hundreds if not thousands of Jewish pilgrims travel to Djerba island in Tunisia, where an ancient Synagogue is believed to contain a stone from the destroyed First Temple in Jerusalem. This year, controversy has come with them.