All Middle East
Why Syria's Assad could hang on for a decade or moreDespite defiant talk from fighters vowing to oust him, Syria's Assad is in a much stronger position than was Libya's Qaddafi.
Army rule: Egyptian military doctor acquitted for 'virginity tests'The decision by a military court today disappointed rights groups who saw the case as a chance to curtail the Egyptian military's culture of impunity.
- Palestinian solar power: why Israel may turn out the lights
As peace negotiations remain stalled, a project to bring rural electrification to Palestinian communities in the West Bank faces demolition by Israel.
Gaza militant assassinated by Israel, sparking fears of wider violenceIsraeli confirmed its targeted assassination of Zuhair al-Qaissi was the chief of the Popular Resistance Committees, a pro-Hamas militant group that has threatened retaliation.
Majority of Israelis oppose a unilateral strike on Iran nuclear programTwo polls that came out this week show that as many as two-thirds of Israelis oppose a strike on Iran nuclear sites even without US support – a step the prime minister has threatened.
Iran offers rare praise for 'the Great Satan'Iranian leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei directed rare praise at the United States, welcoming a speech by President Obama that aimed to cool war rhetoric surrounding Iran's nuclear program.
Syrian refugees huddle in Lebanon: 30 people, one candle, and no foodOne of 30 Syrian refugees sharing a tiny house says many charity workers have visited but never returned. They are among thousands displaced by a Syrian crackdown on a belt of towns near Lebanon.
Fleeing Syrian refugees tell of dodging bullets in orange groveAbu Abbas is just one of an estimated 2,000 Syrian refugees to escape since the weekend to Lebanon, which is coming under increasing pressure to aid those fleeing Assad's brutal regime.
Why Israel's Netanyahu doesn't fully trust Obama on IranPart of the friction comes from Obama making the Israeli-Palestinian conflict a top priority early on, putting off Netanyahu's demands for urgent action on the Iran nuclear program.
High turnout in Iran elections could end 'paranoia' of leadersWhile full results of Friday's Iran elections have yet to be released, the regime has trumpeted an official turnout of 64 percent as a public vote of confidence after the tumultuous 2009 election.
AIPAC concerns aside, Israelis say Iran is a waning hegemonIsraeli leaders see Iran in danger of losing its dominance in the region as Syria, the linchpin of Tehran's regional alliance, falters. But a nuclear weapon could help it regain lost ground.
Israel's calculus on Iran: Shaped by leaders' youth in daring commando unit?Prime Minister Netanyahu and his Defense minister served as brothers in arms in Sayeret Matkal, a sort of Ivy League for future Israeli leaders. Now they face a grave decision on Iran.
Egypt's constitution: How 5 stakeholders would shape the document Here’s what key stakeholders want Egypt’s new constitution to look like.
Shimon Peres: a dovish voice in Obama's earIsraeli President Shimon Peres meets with President Obama today. Mr. Peres opposes an Israeli preemptive strike on Iran, adding a dovish voice to deliberations between the US and Israel.
Iran vote: Khamenei loyalists appear to do wellGood results for Ayatollah Khamenei's candidates in Iran's parliamentary vote could strengthen the supreme leader's hand before a presidential vote next year.
- Under siege, a Syrian town struggles to keep going
Syrian troops have blockaded the town of Qusair for about six months. The conflict between local fighters and Assad's forces surrounding the town is taking a growing toll.
Iran election draws conservatives: 'God, please accept this vote from me'State TV reported a turnout of 64.6 percent in Iran's election today, the first since the 2009 poll that led to a crisis of legitimacy for the regime. Leaders said it was a 'religious duty' to vote.
Iran trumpets high turnout in parliamentary electionsIran's leaders see today's parliamentary elections as central to affirming their popular support – especially at what Supreme Leader Khamenei called a 'more sensitive period' of tensions with West.
Iran elections: The most important ever, says KhameneiIran Supreme Leader Khamenei seeks to prove he is firmly in charge in tomorrow's national elections, the first since 2009, when President Ahmadinejad's reelection sparked historic protests.
Egypt's rulers face backlash after lifting travel ban on AmericansEgypt had portrayed its case against American NGOs as necessary to thwart foreign agents intent on harming the country. Now angry Egyptians say their rulers have caved to US pressure.
