All Middle East
Israel's ultra-Orthodox could lose exemption from army serviceA landmark supreme court decision ends exemptions for ultra-Orthodox, a mushrooming group whose devotion to religious study instead of military service has led to accusations of freeloading.
Profile: Yemen's new president, Abed Rabbo Mansour HadiMr. Hadi is a relative unknown in Yemen, despite serving as former President Saleh's deputy for 17 years.
Oscar winner 'A Separation': Iranians celebrate historic awardOscar winner and director Asghar Farhadi said 'A Separation' depicted Iran 'through her glorious culture, a rich and ancient culture that has been hidden under the heavy dust of politics.'
Americans on trial: a convenient distraction for Egypt's rulers?The trial of 16 Americans and 27 other democracy workers opened today in Egypt in a case that has riveted the Egyptian public and deflected their frustrations onto foreigners.
President Hadi takes power as Yemen's first new leader in three decadesPresident Hadi took oath of office in Yemen Saturday, calling for 'democratic dialogue' and vowing to fight Al Qaeda militants. A deadly car bomb attack in the south underscored ongoing instability.
IAEA report on Iran: 'serious concerns' about nuclear programThe UN nuclear watchdog says Iran has stepped up uranium enrichment and refused to resolve questions about possible nuclear weapons-related work. But the IAEA also found Iran had overstated its claims of progress.
'Friends of Syria' conference demands Assad open humanitarian aid corridorsSyrian forces continued to attack Homs as the 'Friends of Syria' international group met in Tunisia. A draft resolution called for a cease-fire, while Secretary of State Clinton said sanctions would increase if the violence does not stop.
- How much do you know about Iran? Take our quiz to find out.
The world's focus has turned upon Iran in recent months, as it moves ahead with its nuclear program despite crippling sanctions from the West and the threat of preemptive attack by Israel. But how much do you really know about Iran's history and place in the Middle East? Take our quiz to test your knowledge.
The risks of telling the Syria storyWith nine journalists among the roughly 8,000 dead in Syria's uprising, Monitor reporter Scott Peterson explores the soul-searching inside the small community of war correspondents.
Questions remain: Iran blocks nuclear experts from key siteThe UN nuclear watchdog agency left after two days of talks failed despite 'intensive efforts.' It will report on Iran's program in days.
As Al Qaeda moves fight to Syria, violence in Iraq drops sharplyAfter Al Qaeda-affiliated fighters left Iraq to join the Syrian rebellion, violence has dropped in Iraq, in some areas by as much as 50 percent in just a few months.
A defector's tale: How a Syrian soldier turned rebelA young defector's story highlights the weakness of the Assad regime, including military officers taking rebel bribes and sectarian divisions pitting Syrian against Syrian.
Yemen vote ousts Saleh, but will new leader bring change?Vice President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi, the sole candidate, won the historic Yemen vote. Many Yemenis hope his win will pave the way to a more democratic society.
The cool new Palestinians: geeksThe West Bank and Gaza Strip is home to hundreds of tech companies, creating everything from websites to smart phone apps.
What sanctions? Top five countries buying oil from Iran. Iran is the third-largest exporter of crude oil in the world, behind Saudi Arabia and Russia. Its economy relies heavily on oil exports. According to tallies from June 2011, here is a list of the top 5 importers of Iranian oil.
Top US official: Al Qaeda in Iraq joining fight against Syria's AssadDirector of National Intelligence James R. Clapper's comments marked the first time a top official publicly confirmed the involvement of AQI in Syria's uprising.
Cover StoryWhat would happen if Iran had the bomb?Even as Tehran signals an interest in nuclear talks, many experts have already envisioned what the world would look like if the country got nuclear weapons. It wouldn't be as dire as many fear, but it would unleash new uncertainties - and perhaps a regional arms race.
Unrest in US ally Bahrain takes a more violent turnShiite protesters in Bahrain have begun using Molotov cocktails, while Sunni hard-liners also are urging more extreme measures.
After surviving sectarian mob, Egyptian Christians expelled from villageThe case sends a worrying signal that Egypt's new parliament is allowing a Mubarak-era system of local justice to trump the rule of law.
Why a Saudi blogger faces a possible death sentence for three tweetsHamza Kashgari's tweets on the prophet Muhammad's birthday have resulted in charges of blasphemy, apostasy, and atheism – and Saudi Arabia appears to be making an example of his actions.
