All Middle East
First LookSaudi Arabia and Syria: Historic thaw or a questionable alliance?Syrians on opposite sides of the battle lines have different views on the normalization of ties between Assad’s government and Syria’s neighbors. Government-held residents hope for economic relief, while those in opposition-held areas feel isolated.
First LookBattle rages on in Sudan as mass airlifts rescue foreign nationalsForeign governments are evacuating their citizens from Sudan amid a battle for power between two rival generals. While foreign evacuations continue, many Sudanese are risking their lives to escape the violence by driving to the border with Egypt.
‘Not the same Bibi’: Why Israel’s public has turned on NetanyahuJust over 100 days into his newest tenure as prime minister, questions are mounting about whether Benjamin Netanyahu can keep Israel united and secure, his extremist partners at bay, and his government intact.
Saudis, Houthis shake hands in Yemen. Peace will take much more.The Saudi-Iran regional rivalry has hung heavily over Yemen’s tragic civil war. But removing the proxy layer of the complex conflict is not enough to secure peace, analysts caution. That requires including other factions.
FocusIsrael failing to stop attacks on Christians, Jerusalem churches sayPeace and harmony among Jerusalem’s diverse communities requires sensitivity and balance. Church leaders say a culture of impunity has emboldened mostly outside agitators, and appeals to Israel’s government are being ignored.
First LookWhy Yemen’s prisoner exchange could be a step toward regional peaceA three-day prisoner exchange linked to Yemen’s yearslong war began Friday, with more than 800 prisoners to be transported to Yemen’s capital, Sanaa. The exchange is the biggest of the war since 2020 and comes as more than 150,000 people have been killed.
Retirees’ self-help in Israeli schools: ‘We all want to be relevant’An organized group of retirees from all walks of life is helping support failing Israeli schools. It’s good for the kids and good for the retirees, who get community and purpose.
First LookThousands of Israelis march to illegal settlement amid rising tensionIsraeli ministers led thousands to a West Bank settlement, defying global opposition to settlement-building. Recent violence led to the killing of both civilians and international tourists.
Ramadan in Jerusalem: How a shining moment of serenity was lostFor several days, almost defiantly, Jerusalem enjoyed the fruits of diplomacy. But extremists exploiting the Passover-Ramadan season once again incited violence that radiated out to a tense region.
First LookWith China as broker, Iran and Saudi Arabia take a step toward peaceIran and Saudi Arabia, long-time rivals in the Middle East, have restored diplomatic ties and agreed to economic cooperation during a meeting in Beijing. This agreement could aid in resolving conflicts in the region, such as the war in Yemen.
Letter from Jerusalem: In a holy week, city parades its better selfEaster, Passover, and Ramadan are coinciding amid Israeli-Palestinian tensions. Yet the joy and harmony seen in Jerusalem’s streets creates a feeling that this is the city’s defining character.
First LookStrike and mass protests in Israel halt rollout of judicial planIsraeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is stalling his judicial overhaul plan after two days of intensifying protests against it. He said Monday he wanted to seek a compromise and take a “timeout for dialogue” with his political opponents.
First LookAmid crisis, Netanyahu fires his defense chief, and protests eruptTens of thousands of prodemocracy demonstrators poured into Israel’s streets Sunday night in a spontaneous outburst of anger after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu abruptly fired his defense minister for challenging a judicial overhaul plan.
Tears, a tissue, and iPhone photos – an Afghan softens a Turkish heartThe Turkey earthquake disaster has magnified anti-immigrant sentiments. A respectful conversation in a taxi between an Afghan and a Turk defused it.
First LookWhy Kurds are the biggest beneficiaries 20 years after Iraq WarIrbil, a Kurdish city in northern Iraq, has transformed in the past 20 years with wide U.S.-style highways lined with fast-food restaurants and real estate offices. The conflict between the U.S. and Baghdad benefitted the Kurds more than anyone else.
First LookUS in Iraq: What remains 20 years after the invasion?The U.S. invaded Iraq 20 years ago this week and currently maintains a consistent presence of roughly 2,500 soldiers scattered throughout the country. These troops are deemed essential to demonstrate commitment to the region and as a safeguard against Iran.
First LookIraqi youth find strength in identity, 20 years after fall of HusseinAfter the 2003 U.S.-led invasion of Iraq toppled dictator Saddam Hussein, struggling families fleeing violence felt hemmed in by barricaded communities. Twenty years later, Baghdad residents now feel safer, and young people feel emboldened by their story.
Difference Maker‘Our right to dream’: Why Emad Hajjaj draws on despite threat of arrestDespite risk of arrest, political cartoonist Emad Hajjaj believes holding up a mirror to Arab society is a responsibility – and a laughing matter.
Israeli protesters: ‘Traitors’ and ‘anarchists’ or best and brightest?Among the Israelis protesting the government’s proposed judicial “reforms” are members of two groups prized by Prime Minister Netanyahu: the high-tech sector and military veterans. Does that give protesters leverage?
First LookIran and Saudi Arabia reestablish ties in 'dialing down of tensions'After years of tensions, Iran and Saudi Arabia have agreed to reestablish diplomatic relations and reopen embassies in an effort to support regional stability. China brokered the deal amid perceptions the U.S. is slowly withdrawing from the Middle East.
