All Middle East
- A khat-free wedding becomes big news in Yemen
Activists against khat are finding some traction as the Yemeni love of the narcotic chewing leaf could soon make Sanaa the first world capital to run out of water.
- Living under rockets: How Israelis are coping
A rocket from Gaza killed three Israeli civilians in the highest death toll from a rocket attack since Palestinian militants began firing homemade pipe bombs a decade ago.
- The ExplainerWhat's the status of Egypt's Christians?
The newly chosen Coptic pope finds his people in a perilous situation.
- Israeli assassination in Gaza risks wider conflict
If the Palestinian group Hamas makes good on promises of revenge for the killing today of its top military chief, the situation could deteriorate.
- FocusHow water could bring Israelis, Palestinians together
A sole joint committee between Israelis and Palestinians survives 17 years after the Oslo Accords: the one on water.
- The ExplainerIsrael pushes back on Palestinian bid for new UN status
The Palestinians are seeking a global mandate for statehood at the United Nations. Israel warns the move would nullify the Oslo Accords.
- Palestinian Authority unable to pay salaries, even as it pursues statehood
The Palestinian drive for non-member state status at the UN could trigger Israeli economic retaliation that would end the viability of the Palestinian Authority.
- Inside Syria, rebels offer cautious support for unified council
Fighters on the front lines of the Syrian war expressed optimism about the new council formed out of Syrian opposition groups.
- Israeli tanks hit inside Syria, but Israel not eager to enter conflict
Israel is likely to stick with its policy of just rooting for the downfall of President Bashar Assad while refraining from throwing its lot in with any of the opposition groups.
- Iran confirms clash with US drone, claims it was in Iranian airspace
The US says the drone was flying in international airspace; last year, a CIA stealth drone was brought down deep inside Iran. The aerial confrontation comes as more nuclear talks loom.
- The ExplainerSudan's Bashir threatens Israel over alleged airstrike
Sudan's President Omar Hassan al-Bashir vowed today to retaliate against Israel for a recent alleged airstrike. The Monitor explains the background of the dispute.
- How one Syrian family braves life in a divided Aleppo
The battle for Aleppo has destroyed entire neighborhoods and pushed thousands of residents to flee. For many left behind, savings have been spent and survival is a daily focus.
- Why Israel is red and American Jews are blue
Israel would have voted for Mitt Romney by a 2-to-1 margin, but American Jews voted for President Obama by almost the same margin.
- Israel moves quickly to congratulate Obama
Netanyahu paid tribute to 'rock solid' ties between the US and Israel. Many Israelis are worried about how the frosty first-term relationship will affect Obama's actions during his second term.
- Netanyahu campaign strategy? Put Iran center stage.
An Israeli TV scoop about a near-attack on Iran two years ago underscores the lock that Prime Minister Netanyahu, who hopes to prevail in January polls, has on the national security debate.
- Syrian rebels root for Romney in hopes of US military intervention
Desperate for foreign intervention, some rebels say they hope the party that brought on the Iraq war might also bring America to Syria.
- Why the Palestinian president shocked his people over 'right of return'
President Mahmoud Abbas appeared to give up on a longtime Palestinian demand that refugees be allowed back into homes from before the 1948 founding of the Jewish state.
- US-Israel relations won't be shaken no matter who wins Tuesday
US-Israel ties are arguably stronger and deeper now than at any time since Israel’s founding in 1948. The relationship tends to rest on shared principles rather than the personalities at the top.
- New pope named for Egypt's embattled Coptic Christians
Bishop Tawadros has become the new pope of the largest sect of Egyptian Christians at a time of increasing difficulty for the minority.
- In rebel-held Aleppo, Syrian civilians try to impose law through courts, not guns
The United Legal Council of Aleppo, formed by lawyers and judges, hears about 15 cases daily, and has buy-in from some rebels. But it faces a tough challenge from those who want to impose their own justice in the war-torn city.