All Middle East
- Syrian rebels' confidence grows after bombing hits Assad's inner circle
Syrian rebels were able to reach top officials of the Assad regime in today's deadly bomb attack. One was a relative of the president.
- With military draft reform, Netanyahu learns he can't please everyone
Prime Minister Netanyahu is accused of catering to ultra-Orthodox with his stance on draft exemptions, but the religious group isn't happy with him, either.
- Yemen's power vacuum could provide window for secessionists
Many southerners never fully bought in to the unification of Yemen, made official in 1990, and they see the current political uncertainty as an opening to push for independence.
- In Libya's first post-Qaddafi elections, pragmatism trumps ideology
A diverse coalition of parties claiming to eschew a particular ideology and trumpeting its problem-solving skills won with almost half the votes, well ahead of the second-place Islamist party.
- FocusEx-Israeli diplomat: Boycott my country
Former Israeli ambassador to South Africa Alon Liel argues that a boycott would put pressure on people and businesses, possibly persuading some to relocate inside Israel proper.
- FocusFearing boycott, Israeli academics warn against accrediting West Bank school
The Israeli higher education committee for the West Bank approved accreditation of Ariel University Center today. One university president warns the move endangers Israel's 'next Nobel prize.'
- Kidnapper: Why I nabbed two Americans in Egypt's Sinai
The recent kidnappings in Egypt's Sinai are not motivated by religious extremism or a desire for money, but a desperate desire to make the government listen to a marginalized group.
- Starting from scratch: Libyans struggle to build a civil society
Libyans believe that civil society organizations are vital to their fledgling democracy, but civic groups are having a hard time getting funding and developing know-how.
- Israel to Clinton: Tell us what Egypt is thinking
US Secretary of State Clinton is in Israel after meeting with new Egyptian leader Mohamed Morsi. Israel is hoping Clinton will shed some light on how to repair frayed Israel-Egypt ties.
- Doctors go underground to treat protesters in Bahrain
Most demonstrators hurt in clashes with police refuse to go to hospitals, no matter how grave their wounds, fearing they will be arrested there.
- On visit, Clinton balances between Egypt's new players
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton met with the head of Egypt's military and with the country's new president, both of whom are locked in a power struggle.
- Another day, another defector from Assad's Syria
The Syrian ambassador to Iraq defected today, the second prominent Sunni to do so in two weeks. With their departures, Syria's Sunni vs. Alawite conflict hardens.
- For region's Islamists, Morsi win in Egypt expands sense of the possible
Egypt's Muslim Brotherhood, which now controls both the presidency and much of parliament, has counterparts and allies across the region who are expecting President Morsi to bring change.
- Morsi-military standoff: How big a blow to Egypt?
While Egypt’s transition has been on uncertain legal footing from the beginning, the confrontation between President Morsi and the military and judiciary could upend Egypt's legal order.
- Neither liberal nor Islamist: Who are Libya's frontrunners?
Libya's National Forces Alliance has claimed the lead as election results roll in. The big-tent coalition appears headed for victory, but it's still unclear what its goals are.
- Iran makes its nuclear case – with PowerPoint
The complete set of PowerPoint slides that Iran used during a meeting with world powers are now public.
- Libya's liberals claim they lead in historic election
Officials from two other parties back up the claim, but the election commission refused to comment as Saturday's votes are still being counted.
- Libya election: In Tripoli high hopes, turnout and expectations
Turnout was high in the first post-Qaddafi Libya election today, with voters eager to help start building a new regime.
- Details emerge on Iran's priorities in nuclear talks
Iran says it is willing to lower uranium enrichment levels to end sanctions. But it also set out red lines in PowerPoint presentation at recent Moscow talks.
- Clinton says Russia, China should 'pay price' over Syria
At Paris meeting, US Secretary of State Clinton lambasted Russia, China for 'blockading' progress. The meeting came amid news that a top Syrian general has defected.