All Middle East
- Mass ultra-Orthodox protests in Jerusalem against military service
An Israeli effort to restrict draft-dodging by its swelling ultra-Orthodox population led to mass protests in Jerusalem today.
- US Ambassador Ford on what's gone wrong in Syria and where it's headed
Recently retired US Ambassador to Syria Robert Ford offered a bleak assessment of the Syrian civil war in his first remarks since departing his post last week.
- Oscar-nominated 'Omar' shines spotlight on film mecca of Nazareth
Hany Abu-Assad, director of the Academy Award-nominated film 'Omar,' is one of four top Palestinian filmmakers who hail from the unlikely moviemaking hub.
- For Iraqis fleeing Fallujah, it's 2004 again – but worse
In 2004, Iraqis fled Fallujah in droves as the US military destroyed parts of the city in its fight against Al Qaeda. Now the Iraqi Army is battling militants there.
- Stranded in Morocco, Syrians join African migrants in storming Europe's door
Some Syrians have fled as far as Morocco seeking refuge, which remains elusive because they cannot obtain the papers that would allow them to work or send children to school.
- Isolationism, 'retreat,' and reason
And the ongoing refusal to recognize that pretending the US doesn't have limits to its power doesn't make it so.
- Amnesty reports sharp spike in Israeli soldiers' killings of Palestinians
A new report by Amnesty International, the human rights organization, points to a climate of Israeli military impunity.
- Erdogan disputes recording linking him to Turkey's corruption probe
Once-unassailable Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan has been battered by political scandal for months. The latest allegation is he hid money from a corruption probe.
- Israeli airstrikes along Syrian border aim at Hezbollah
Israeli airstrikes: Israel has not commented on reports that it struck a Hezbollah target Monday night, but the circumstances and recent history point to its involvement.
- Egypt's cabinet resigns, ducking growing anger over economic hardship
The resignation of the Egyptian prime minister and his cabinet is seen as preparation for a presidential bid by Defense Minister Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, but there may be more to the story.
- UN nuclear inspectors throw a bone to 'Trust Iran' camp
Iran has assured skeptical diplomats that it is slowing its nuclear work. The latest report from the UN nuclear agency backs them up.
- Assad offensive near Homs sends Syrians fleeing to Lebanon
Since the offensive began on Feb. 10, more than 10,000 refugees have sought refuge in Arsal from the fighting in the strategically important Qalamoun region.
- Can Shakespeare rescue Syria's 'lost' generation?
A famous Syrian actor arrived at Zaatari refugee camp in Jordan with a plan for helping kids who've missed years of school: Put on a play.
- Feeble turnout by Libyan voters points to deep disillusionment
Libya held elections today for a constitution-drafting committee that will chart a path for a post-Qaddafi future. Few cared enough to turn out at the polls.
- On trial in Egypt, Al Jazeera journalists struggle to cut through the noise
Three Al Jazeera journalists arrested in December made their first court appearance today. They are accused by authorities of belonging to a terrorist organization – the Muslim Brotherhood.
- Rebels' grip on border region weakens under Syrian Army assault
Losing Qalamoun would be a blow, cutting off access to smuggling trails and the highway connecting Homs, Damascus, and the coast.
- US portrayal of ongoing nuclear talks rankles Iran
A senior Iranian official says that comments portraying ongoing negotiations as more of a win for the US than Iran is creating problems in Vienna.
- Abbas hosts largest gathering of Israelis in Ramallah since 2002
Israelis are prohibited from entering Palestinian-controlled areas of the West Bank. But an exception allowed 300 young Israelis to visit Palestinian President Abbas in Ramallah Sunday.
- Iraq's Sadr, lion of Shiite poor, quits politics. Boon for Maliki?
Muqtada al-Sadr's militia was among the biggest threats to US troops early in the war, and his party has been a powerful Shiite force. His withdrawal from politics comes just months before elections.
- Iran and world powers gear up for more nuclear talks
Iran will sit down with the US and other world powers tomorrow in Vienna to discuss curtailing its nuclear program in exchange for lifting sanctions. Progress is far from guaranteed.