All Middle East
Centuries-old Jerusalem soup kitchen serves up ‘food with dignity’Much has changed since Jerusalem’s Tikiya soup kitchen was built in 1552. But for the community, its mission is timeless.
First LookIsrael Supreme Court takes tough case: Ruling on its own powersIsrael’s parliament passed a contentious constitutional amendment to limit the judiciary’s power Monday, which has been followed by myriad appeals filed to the country’s Supreme Court. The already polarizing court will rule on its own powers this fall.
First LookIsrael’s black ink day: Unprecedented protest against judicial reformIn response to a law diminishing Israel’s Supreme Court’s power, widespread protests continue to break out, now even among doctors. Four Israeli newspapers covered their front pages in black ink as a symbolic gesture to mark a blow against democracy.
Netanyahu curbs Supreme Court power, defying critics at home and abroadAmid warnings of harm to Israel’s security, polls showing solid public opposition, and even repeated entreaties from President Joe Biden, the Netanyahu government passed a law that critics say strikes a direct blow at Israel’s democracy.
Drone war: The price Iran pays for helping Russia against UkraineOn the world stage, Iran needs friends. So Tehran seized the chance to flip the script with its powerful patron Russia, becoming a supplier of drones for Moscow’s war in Ukraine. Has it been worth the diplomatic cost?
In Israel democracy protests, both sides are digging inAt a previous crescendo of Israeli protests over judicial reform plans, the government backed off. But talks on a compromise collapsed. As a first bill moves toward passage, distrust runs deep.
First LookIran’s morality police renew clampdowns on hijab rulesAfter the death of Mahsa Amini sparked widespread protests across Iran, the so-called morality police mostly disappeared from the streets. Now they’re back to impose a new campaign to force Islamic dress on women.
First LookTraffic halted, strikes threatened: Israelis protest judicial reformThe Israeli government passed an initial bill that would limit the judiciary’s oversight power, unleashing a wave of protests. Opposition is widespread: Protesters blocked highways and an airport, and the national labor union is threatening to strike.
For two days Israel targeted militants in Jenin. What did it achieve?In the name of security, Israel has fought Hamas again and again in Gaza. Now, a large Israeli incursion targeting popular young militants in Jenin seems to be paving the way only for more clashes.
First LookIsrael ends West Bank raid, Palestinians grapple with way forwardIsrael has withdrawn its troops from a militant stronghold in the West Bank after one of the most intense military operations in the occupied territory in nearly two decades. The two-day operation killed 12 Palestinians and an Israeli soldier.
First LookIsrael launches major incursion in Jenin; 8 Palestinians reported killedIsrael launched drone strikes and deployed hundreds of troops in the northern West Bank militant stronghold. The move, pressured by recent attacks on settlers and the largest in many years, resulted in dozens of wounded.
Have Iran’s hard-liners lost the battle over women’s headscarves?Iran suppressed sweeping women-led protests last fall. But hijab laws are still being ignored. Hard-liners who see a threat to the regime are at odds on how to respond.
Food as love: In post-quake Turkey, those with nothing share everythingFood and hospitality, both legendary in Turkey, have emerged as signs of rebirth after the country’s tragic Feb. 6 earthquake.
First LookSyria emerges as bleak new frontier in war against child soldiersAmid Syria’s ongoing conflict, child recruitment by various armed factions has risen drastically, according to a United Nations report. Syrian activists claim children are forced into service or join due to either tribal ties or familial financial needs.
What’s preventing Syrian refugees’ return home? Distrust of Assad.After the Arab League reinstated Syria, some Syrian refugees had dared hope for measures to enable their return home. But in interviews and polls, most say they’ve seen nothing that convinces them that now is the time.
In coffee-crazy Arab Gulf, a pricey pursuit of the perfect potIn the Gulf Arab states, where preparing and serving Arabic coffee to guests is sometimes a daylong ritual, the right pot can carry a luxury price tag. It’s a price many Saudis are happy to pay.
First LookSpiritual journey revival: Hajj returns to Mecca in forceOver 2 million Muslims are participating in the largest Hajj pilgrimage since pandemic restrictions. The pilgrimage is a deeply spiritual event that symbolizes unity, and tests faith and patience, culminating with the festival of Eid al-Adha.
As violent crime soars, Israeli Arabs ask: Where’s the government?In Arab towns in Israel, violent crime has been the top concern, and the right-wing government is facing accusations of neglect. Is a recent massacre enough to shock officials into effective action?
First LookAfter deadly West Bank shooting, Israeli settlers rampage againIsraeli settlers set fire to dozens of Palestinian homes and cars in Turmus Ayya, a West Bank village occupied by Palestinians. The attack comes in response to a shooting by two Palestinian gunmen that killed four Israeli people earlier in the week.
First LookFattah unveiled: Iran’s new hypersonic missile fuels tensions with USIran claims it has a hypersonic missile capable of reaching speeds 15 times faster than sound amid tense United States-Iran relations over its nuclear program. The missile, named Fattah, has a moveable nozzle that makes interception more challenging.
