All Middle East
First LookIran says Natanz nuclear facility was sabotaged. Was it Israel?Iran on Sunday described a blackout at its underground Natanz atomic facility an act of “nuclear terrorism.” Suspicion fell immediately on Israel.
First LookOn Clubhouse, Arabs debate taboo topics – for nowHundreds of thousands of people in the Arab world are turning to Clubhouse, the fast-growing audio chat app, to debate sensitive and controversial topics. But concerns are mounting that the open space could soon come under government scrutiny or censorship.
First LookIn Egypt, women fight sexism and harassment with Thai boxingYoung women in Egypt are pushing for change in a country where they have long felt unsafe and disadvantaged. One group has taken up Thai boxing, which has empowered them to fight back against sexual harassment and violence.
It doesn’t happen here: Why ‘coup plot’ in Jordan sent shock wavesJordan is a key U.S. ally and an important regional facilitator. Which is why just the hint of a destabilizing “coup” sent tremors far and wide.
First LookTrial underway: Five questions about Netanyahu's political fateAs Benjamin Netanyahu’s corruption trial begins, he’s also – separately – at risk of losing his position as Israeli prime minister. After inconclusive national elections, Israel’s parliament is trying to form a governing coalition, and it’s not clear if he’ll be included.
First LookJordanian prince: A case of sedition or simply dissent?Jordanian authorities said Sunday they stopped a “malicious plot” by a former crown prince – King Abdullah’s half brother – to destabilize the kingdom.
First LookUS and Iran to begin indirect talks on nuclear programIn the first major step since the U.S. pulled out of an 2015 Iran nuclear accord, both the U.S. and Iran have agreed to resume negotiations. The participants in the accord, which include the E.U., China, and Russia, will meet in Vienna next week.
Yemen: Behind the Saudi ‘peace offer,’ a US sales pitchIf the path to progress on Yemen runs through Riyadh, it may be because the U.S. and U.N. sold the Saudis on the value of a changed narrative.
First LookCan more tugboats and a 'king tide' free Suez Canal ship?A dozen tugboats will try to nudge the Ever Given free during high tide on Monday as dredgers continue to vacuum up sand from under the vessel.
First LookPassover in Israel: Celebrating pandemic progress and freedomIsraelis are enjoying what feels like a post-pandemic freedom, lending special significance to this year's Passover.
First LookHow does a cargo ship get stuck in the Suez Canal? And what now?Authorities, engineers, and onlookers had never seen anything like it: a cargo ship the size of a skyscraper lodged in the Suez Canal, blocking all traffic. Teams of experts are trying everything to free the ship, creating a scene that is equal parts serious and absurd.
First LookIsraeli election: Arab Islamist party could become kingmakerParliamentary elections have left Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu without a clear path to leadership. The United Arab List, predicted to have won five seats in the Knesset, is still deciding which parliamentary bloc to support.
Mideastern trio hopes that peace is in the air (and water)For peacemakers, finding common cause is a step toward resolving disputes. This Mideast group focuses on neighbors’ shared environmental concerns.
First LookAfghanistan warlords remain wild cards in path to progressAs the United States prepares to pull the last of its troops from Afghanistan in May, tension mounts between the Afghan government and Abdul Gani Alipoor, a powerful warlord who many ethnic Hazaras see as a hero.
Israel election: Arab voters want voices heard, but not at any costIn Israeli elections Tuesday, the support of Arab voters has been in high demand. But how ready are Jews and Arabs to be true political partners?
First LookSaudis offer cease-fire in Yemen, meeting some Houthi demandsThe cease-fire, which would allow a major airport to open in Yemen’s capital and end fighting after seven years of war, comes as Riyadh tries to rehabilitate its image with the Biden administration.
Fresh start for Libya? Hopes ride on new wheeler-dealer leader.After years of turmoil in Libya, the sheer exhaustion of local and outside forces that have battled on its soil has created an opening for hope.
First LookFor first time in 60 years, new Dead Sea Scroll fragments foundIsraeli archaeologists announced the discovery of around 80 new fragments of the Dead Sea Scrolls found in excavations in the Judean Desert. They were likely hidden during a Jewish revolt against Rome between 132 and 136 A.D.
For Israeli Arab voters, surging violent crime overshadows all elseEven as Arab voters embrace their voice in Israeli democracy, their top concern, violent crime, is at least partially rooted in decades of inequities.
Syria: When a ‘victory’ isn’t one, what are the costs?If there’s a lesson from Assad’s victory in Syria’s 10-year war, it might be: Winning at all costs can exact a terrible price.
