All Middle East
- Criminals cash in on Syria's chaos with kidnappings and ransoms
Not all of the kidnappings in Syria are politically driven. In lawless areas not held by either the government or opposition, kidnappers are increasingly driven by cold cash.
- Egypt opposition vows to boycott parliamentary elections
The National Salvation Front, an umbrella group for political opponents of Egypt's Muslim Brotherhood, announced the boycott, complaining current rules favor Islamists.
- Iran nuclear talks: Will hints of sanctions relief yield progress?
Western powers are expected for the first time to offer modest relief from far-ranging sanctions – but only if Iran takes substantial steps to halt the most prized elements of its nuclear program.
- Amid mounting pressures, some see potential for new Palestinian uprising
Thousands turned out for the funeral today of a Palestinian who died in an Israeli jail. Some see a new intifada as the only way to fight back as tensions rise, but many say that could hurt the Palestinian cause.
- A land of militias, Libya struggles to build a military
The Libyan government wants a professional standing army, but the many militias still on the streets are too good at their job to be replaced with a fledgling, inexperienced military.
- As Iran and Israel trade threats, first Iranian novels appear in Hebrew
The rousing success of two Persian novels published in Hebrew this year – the first to ever appear in Hebrew – indicate a thirst among Israelis to better understand Iranian society.
- Israeli Oscar contenders force citizens to confront uncomfortable questions
Two Israeli documentary films nominated for Oscars, 'The Gatekeepers' and '5 Broken Cameras,' raise difficult questions about the Israeli occupation of the Palestinian territories.
- Iran maneuvers for upper hand ahead of nuclear talks
Expectations for a breakthrough at the talks are low. The P5+1 appears to be offering little new and an IAEA report shows Iran has made steady nuclear progress since talks stalled last spring.
- Syrian regime battles rebels for control of highway to its safe haven
Lebanon appears closer than ever to getting dragged into Syria's war as the regime and rebels battle just over the border and Hezbollah's growing involvement raises rebel ire.
- Is the Muslim Brotherhood seeking to kill Egypt's NGOs?
A restrictive draft law sponsored by a member of the Muslim Brotherhood's party echoes the philosophy of the Mubarak government, which saw independent groups as a threat.
- Israel braces for action along the Syrian border
The Israeli-Syrian border has been quiet under the Assad regime. But with government control slipping, and fighting sending errant fire into Israel, Israel may have to act.
- Yemeni Air Force suffers embarrassing crashes as Yemenis get angry at US
After two recent high-profile military plane crashes, Yemenis are increasingly frustrated with their sub-par Air Force – and accuse the government for outsourcing Air Force duties to the US.
- Tunisia wobbles further as PM resigns and credit rating drops
Standard and Poor's downgraded Tunisia's credit rating yesterday for the third time since former leader Ben Ali was ousted.
- Taking a hike in the Holy Land on the Jesus Trail
Israel's Jesus Trail, which winds through valleys and over hilltops near the Sea of Galilee, hits several spots of biblical importance and provides a taste of life in modern-day Israel as well.
- As Tunisia's Ennahda falters, supporters wonder if it can handle the heat
Tunisia's leading party, the Islamist Ennahda, is struggling to deliver prosperity and stability. Even some supporters who flocked to the party after the revolution are questioning its performance – and what it should do next.
- 'Prisoner X' case strains Israelis' longtime acceptance of censorship
The Israeli government was able to use its broad military censorship powers to block Israeli news coverage of the 'Prisoner X' case, even as foreign media were unraveling the case.
- How much do you know about Israel? Take our quiz.
Israel, which stands out as a flashpoint even in a region made up of flashpoints, is the source of endless debate. How much do you know about it?