All Middle East
- Tentative ceasefire agreed between Hamas and Israel
A ground war may have been averted thanks to US pressure and Egyptian diplomacy. But how long the Gaza Strip ceasefire between Hamas and Israel will last is the question.
- Rebels question continued protests in 'Free Syria'
Protests gave birth to the anti-Assad uprising, but now some in Syria say they simply make for an easy target for regime planes. Others say they're important to keep new leaders accountable.
- Bus bombing in Tel Aviv deflates Israeli interest in cease-fire with Gaza
International mediators, including Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, are working intensively to secure a cease-fire between Israel and Gaza, but today's bombing has dimmed Israelis' interest in negotiations.
- As Gaza offensive intensifies, Israel enjoys unusual international support
European governments as well as the US are standing shoulder-to-shoulder with Israel over the conflict with Hamas in the Gaza Strip – drawing the ire of the Muslim world.
- Syrian rebels put choke hold on government supply lines
The Free Syrian Army has captured several critical areas from the government this week, curtailing delivery of supplies to those they are battling for control of Aleppo.
- West Bank Palestinians cheer on their Gaza counterparts
Palestinians in the West Bank have staged solidarity marches, praising Gaza's rocket strikes on Israel and calling for an end to the diplomacy track with Israel – an indirect blow to President Mahmoud Abbas.
- Israelis ponder alternatives to 'mowing the lawn' in Gaza
Israel has yet to articulate a long-term strategy for Gaza, but there is a growing consensus that a military operation every few years is not the answer.
- Hamas wins over its doubters in Gaza with battlefield prowess
Economic stagnation and political frustration steadily eroded Gazans' support for Hamas after it took over in 2006, but support is rebounding because it is seen as standing up to Israel.
- As Hamas confronts Israel, its Arab support swells
The last time Israel went to war with Gaza, it didn't have to worry about regional diplomatic fallout. The Arab uprisings have changed that calculus.
- Can Israel end this war at a time of its choosing?
In its latest conflict with Gaza, Israel has fewer mediators in the region to help bring a ceasefire.
- Israel's Bedouin Arabs caught in middle as rockets fly in both directions
Residents of the Bedouin Arab town of Rahat are divided between worry for themselves as rockets from Gaza land nearby and worries for their relatives in Gaza facing an Israeli barrage.
- For Syrian rebels, a relentless game of cat-and-mouse
The Free Syrian Army attacks regime positions on Syria's southern border, but only holds them long enough to rush supplies and fighters in from Lebanon. Such tactics won't break a grim stalemate.
- Gazans flee border areas, fearing Israeli ground invasion
But even inland areas are no haven as Israeli air strikes continue in Gaza. One strike today killed 11 civilians including six children in an attempt to kill a Hamas commander.
- Israel's Iron Dome provides cover, but not normalcy
Israeli sources claim the Iron Dome missile defense system has successfully shot down most of the rockets that it has tried to intercept from Gaza.
- On the Gaza-Israel border, Israeli reservists weigh a ground assault
As trucks hauled armored vehicles in southern Israel, thousands of reservists headed to training bases, resigned to a ground assault: If the rocket fire doesn't end, said one, 'we'll have no choice.'
- IAEA: Iran making steady advances on nuclear program
The UN nuclear watchdog says that Iran installed more centrifuges at Fordow facility, but it isn't using more of them – yet. Nuclear talks are due to resume soon.
- Jordan's crisis: Is an uneasy peace emerging?
Jordan protests against the king are the largest and most sustained since the start of uprisings in the region nearly two years ago, but the explosive protests expected this afternoon have yet to materialize.
- As sirens blare, Israel seeks to punish Hamas without occupying Gaza
The Israel-Hamas war that began Wednesday was on the brink of a major escalation, with Palestinian rockets nearing Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. Can Israel achieve its objectives?
- Where Syria's opposition groups get their rockets
With few weapons flowing to the rebels fighting the Syrian regime, homemade rockets, mortars, and hand grenades have become increasingly used in the fight.
- Key test for Egypt's Morsi as Gaza conflict intensifies
Since taking office in June, Egypt's Islamist President Morsi has upheld Egypt's peace treaty with Israel and strictly controlled border crossings. Could the Gaza conflict change his calculus?