All Middle East
- Israeli policy pivot strengthens grasp on East Jerusalem
The Israeli government has backed a property law that could enable seizure of up to 40 percent of the Palestinian private property in Jerusalem.
- In Turkey, echoes of US-style clashes over glitzy redevelopment
For the thousands demonstrating in Gezi Park, the project to redevelop it despite public outcry and legal challenges illustrate a government culture of disregard for the rights and wishes of citizens.
- Israel accelerates cybersecurity know-how as early as 10th grade
Israel is strengthening cybersecurity recruitment and cooperation between hi-tech, academia, and the military as threats rise.
- Stalled nuclear talks fuel sharp exchange at Iran's final presidential debate
At a fiery final debate before June 14 elections, Saeed Jalili, Iran's top nuclear negotiator and a leading candidate, was challenged over 'missed opportunities.'
- As Syrian refugee flood escalates, UN asks record $5.1 billion in aid
Help is needed as Jordan, Lebanon, and Turkey may host up to 3.5 million refugees by year's end, say UN officials.
- Opposition in Turkey flounders in efforts to dislodge Erdogan
Protesters face an uphill struggle to erode Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan’s power base as opposition parties remain fragmented.
- Across Arab world, mixed feelings about Turkey's Erdogan
Protests in Turkey are stirring debate in some Arab countries about the compatibility of Islam and democracy.
- FocusTurkey's protests reveal conflicting visions of society
The ongoing clashes in Istanbul's Taksim Square have exposed the fault lines running between those want to protect secular values and those who want to introduce more Islam into public life.
- FocusTurkey's tumultuous week does little to rattle 'bulldozer' Erdogan
Prime Minister Erdogan decried antigovernment protesters as 'vagabonds' and 'extremists.' Critics acknowledge his success in driving Turkey's spectacular growth, but say he has become autocratic.
- Israel sees prestigious academic prize as tool to engage increasingly hostile academic world
The Dan David Prize has been awarded to some of those in the top echelons of academia, a community that includes many backers of the movement to isolate Israel for its occupation.
- Last American NGO worker in Egypt takes flight to avoid prison
Robert Becker was the lone US employee to remain when Egypt raided NGO offices last year. Even he is gone now, leaving a civil society vacuum.
- Hezbollah marks major triumph as Qusayr tips back into Assad camp
Rebels abandoned the strategic city of Qusayr on Wednesday in a significant victory for Syria's Assad regime and a psychological blow to opposition forces.
- Pinned under government's thumb, Turkish media covers penguins, not protests
The protests throughout Turkey have brought issues of media self-censorship, government control, and ownership by large conglomerates to the fore, disgusting many Turks.
- Think you know Turkey? Take our country quiz.
Test your knowledge about the history and politics of Turkey.
- In hi-tech, Gaza Sky Geeks sees way to break through isolation
Gaza Sky Geeks aims to harness an entrepreneurial streak among Gaza's isolated youths. The company already has investment from Google to help start-ups grow.
- Convictions put Egypt's beleaguered NGOs into deeper chill
An Egyptian court sentenced 43 NGO workers, among them 15 Americans, to between one and five years in prison and shuttered the offices of five organizations.
- Turkey's protesters seize world's attention, but what's their goal?
Turkey's protest movement is burgeoning, but has so far failed to find a common goal or person to coalesce around, other than opposing Prime Minister Erdogan.
- In Tunisia, a free speech tussle could land a professor in jail
Last year a Tunisian academic complained that a member of the constitutional drafting committee had watered down free speech protections in the document.
- Can a low-key professor fill the shoes of Washington's West Bank darling?
Salam Fayyad, who resigned as prime minister in April, was renowned internationally for winning donor trust. Rami Hamdallah, head of a West Bank university, is comparatively unknown.
- Erdogan's defiant style keeps Turkish protesters fueled with anger
Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan's uncompromising response to widespread protests has kept many out on the streets, angered by what they describe as his 'dictatorial' rule.