All Middle East
First LookAmid Iraqi power struggle, occupation of parliament has joyful airThe occupation of Iraq’s parliament by followers of a prominent Shiite cleric is fueled by demands for early elections, constitutional amendments, and the ousting of political opponents.
Democracy falls quietly in Tunisia, yet it reverberates around regionThe perceived failure of democracy to guarantee Tunisians both liberty and prosperity helps explain the muted response to the president’s authoritarian power grab.
First LookSyrians in Lebanon fear deportation, see Europe as beaconLebanon says it can no longer afford 1 million Syrian refugees on its soil because of its economic meltdown. The government plans on sending back 15,000 refugees per month, but many say they’d rather try to travel to Europe because Syria’s economy is in tatters.
First LookAfter Khashoggi, US aims to shield dissidents from Saudi threatsAs authoritarian regimes try to silence critics around the world, American authorities are working to protect dissidents in the U.S. from harassment and threats. Prosecution against a man who harassed critics of Saudi Arabia, most of whom are women, exemplifies that effort.
Ballroom dancing brings comfort, relief to Syrians during warIn Damascus, a dance studio helps Syrians cope with the dire political and economic situation caused by the 11-year war. Instructor Adnan Mohammed sees dancing as a welcome form of release.
Can Joe Biden build back the crumbling US-Saudi alliance?If President Biden can restore a trusting partnership with Saudi Arabia, it may come from each longtime ally honestly saying what it needs from the other.
Biden in Israel: A meeting of the (moderate) minds?Joe Biden’s meeting in Israel with Yair Lapid brings together leaders who embrace moderation, potentially opening the door to cooperation.
First LookUAE: Has fuel become too expensive even for its biggest producers?The Russian invasion of Ukraine has triggered soaring gas prices across the world, affecting even oil-rich countries like the United Arab Emirates. The price surge in the Emirates is an acknowledgement that not even oil producers are not immune to global market forces.
How a soccer program in Gaza heals woundsIn Gaza, a soccer program is guiding young amputees who, through determination, are regaining access to a game that was the object of their passion and a focus of their identity.
FocusWhat Saudi Arabia’s surge into a post-oil future means for its peopleProgress can come with a cost. Saudi Arabia’s drive to modernize its economy is transforming all facets of society, creating opportunities, and challenges, for its people.
First LookAfghanistan earthquake: Taliban asks for help, rescuers rush to aidA magnitude 6.1 earthquake struck in the Afghanistan’s mountainous east Wednesday causing wide-spread damage, with early reports of 1,000 lives lost. While many global humanitarian organizations recently pulled out of the nation, efforts are under way to send aid.
First LookIsrael dissolves parliament. Will Netanyahu return?Prime Minister Naftali Bennett announced Monday his decision to disband his coalition government and hold elections. “Together, we got Israel out of the pit [of recurring elections]... We brought to center stage the values of fairness and trust," he said.”
Diverse Israeli coalition made history. But has it been a success?The now-fraying Israeli government, formed a year ago, is a grand experiment in diversity and cooperation. Is that enough to leave a positive legacy?
Daisies and daggers: In Saudi mountains, garlands crown the braveDo beauty and bravery go together? As values they’re not opposite, if sometimes incongruous. But in the remote southwest corner of Saudi Arabia, their pairing makes perfect sense.
In Pictures: A taste of Afghanistan helps these bakers find home in IndiaIn India, these naanwais may have left Afghanistan behind, but they’ve brought a slice of home with them.
Lebanese vote shows demand for change. But enough to build on?Lebanese elections showed gains by candidates promoting change. But most voters still backed sectarian parties, an indication of fear and fatigue.
CommentaryCourage seeking truth: Shireen’s lesson for younger journalistsShireen Abu Akleh, the Palestinian American journalist killed covering an Israeli military raid, was an inspiring pioneer and warm mentor.
First LookParade of world leaders to U.A.E. shows its global influenceFrench President Emmanuel Macron was the first of many to arrive this weekend to pay their respects to the nation's late ruler, a sign of Abu Dhabi’s influence in Western and Arab capitals.
What’s drawing the US back into Libya? Ukraine, Russia, and oil.What many Libyans want is democracy and stability. What they have is oil. Can the U.S. play the role of mediator, or has war in Ukraine made its motives suspect?
First LookTaliban order Afghan women to cover up head to toeTaliban rulers on Saturday ordered all Afghan women to wear head-to-toe clothing in public – the latest in a series of repressive edicts, not all of which have been implemented.
