All Middle East
First Look‘This is not a revolution’: sparks of civil war cool in IraqAfter days of gunfights with government forces in the streets of Iraq’s capital, forces loyal to Shiite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr began to withdraw after he called on them to stand down. Apologizing to Iraqis, Mr. Sadr says he does not support violence.
‘Revolution’ in Iraq? How Shiite cleric is testing a young democracy.In recent years, even established democracies have proven vulnerable under stress. In Iraq, despite the nascent system’s imperfections, it has served as political glue to the country’s disparate sectarian branches.
Gaza civilians face airstrikes with ‘go-bags’ and comforting catsIsraeli airstrikes on Gaza reminded local residents how suddenly war can disrupt their lives. How do civilians prepare for and cope with that threat?
First LookIn Afghanistan, underground schools offer hope for girlsWith no sign the Taliban will reopen schools, parents are exploring other ways to keep education from stalling for a generation of young women. Although Taliban officials insist the schools will reopen soon, hardliners within the movement have thwarted the idea.
Their cup overflows: Why future is bright for Saudi coffee growersSaudi Arabia’s mountainous southwest is steeped in the culture of coffee cultivation. Officials hope the local brew, in demand in trendy Saudi cafes, is poised to make a splash around the world.
Iran nuclear talks progress, but is it enough to save the deal?President Obama said the 2015 Iran nuclear deal was built on verification, not trust. As governments examine the latest document agreed to by negotiators, the main obstacle to a renewed deal remains distrust.
First LookIn Afghanistan, Iran, and Pakistan, Shiite Muslims mark AshouraMillions of Shiite Muslims are marking the festival of Ashoura that commemorates the martyrdom of the Prophet Muhammad’s grandson, Hussein. In Taliban-run Afghanistan, security forces are on high alert for any violence that could mar the celebrations.
First LookIsrael and Palestinian militants reach cease-fire: Will it hold?Israeli aircraft have pummeled Gaza since Friday, while the Iran-backed Palestinian Jihad militant group has fired hundreds of rockets at Israel in response.
First LookFirst Ukrainian grain shipment lands in Lebanon, bringing hopeThe Razoni is the first ship to depart a Ukrainian Black Sea port since Russia invaded, disrupting food supplies in Africa and the Middle East.
First LookKabul chaos: Shiites bombed, Zawahri killing protests fill streetsA bomb killed eight people in the Shiite area of Kabul, Afghanistan, Friday. The attack has yet to be claimed but suspicions fall on the Islamic State group. Hundreds of Afghans also rallied to protest the U.S. drone strike that killed Al Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahri.
First LookDevastation in Gaza after new wave of Israeli airstrikesDays after the arrest of a senior Islamic Jihad leader, an Israeli airstrike descended on Gaza leaving at least 10 fatalities, Palestinian officials have announced. The strike left at least 55 others injured and was in response to an “imminent threat,” Israeli officials say.
Afghanistan mystery: Why was Al Qaeda’s leader in Kabul?The drone strike that killed Al Qaeda’s leader in Kabul reveals a lack of trust between the U.S. and Taliban. But was the Doha agreement broken, or were there just differing views on how to keep it?
First LookTwo decades after 9/11, bin Laden's deputy killed by drone strikeAl Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahri worked with Osama bin Laden to plan the 9/11 terrorist attacks and other high profile attacks on U.S. targets. The CIA operation is a significant counterterrorism win just 11 months after President Biden withdrew U.S. troops from Afghanistan.
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.
