All Middle East
Fleeing the Taliban in the night, a family’s faith in peace waversAs more people die and thousands flee Taliban attacks in Afghanistan, the U.S. is criticizing the tactic of “fighting while talking” as “very risky.”
Saudi dissidents target crown prince where it hurts: WashingtonDefying repression, Saudi factions including liberals, Islamists, Sunnis, Shiites, and former members of the military are uniting against the regime.
Ultimatum signals modest US goal in Iraq: Avoid defeatThe U.S. is wrestling with two competing goals in Iraq: a desire to halt America’s “endless wars,” while withdrawing on its own terms.
In divided Israel, desert town models a united front against virusIsrael has struggled to enlist the ultra-Orthodox community in the fight against COVID-19. A small-town mayor is being praised for her example.
The ExplainerTurkey stirring the pot? Why Armenians, Azeris are fighting again.People are dying again in Nagorno-Karabakh, a case study in old borders, older rivalries, and the ability of outside powers – Turkey – to meddle.
First LookOman's new sultan quietly carves Gulf nation's way forwardSultan Haitham succeeded his cousin, Sultan Qaboos, as ruler of Oman in January 2020. Since then, the new sultan has quietly taken steps to maintain Oman's role as a peacemaker for the region even as he navigates looming challenges.
History brought to life: Jordanians take a ride on the HejazFor Jordanians needing to escape, there’s a solution: taking a ride on the Ottoman-era Hejaz Railway. It’s more fun than a history book.
In Iran, outrage over patriarchy spurs changeIn Iran, people are expressing unusual anger at the low value placed on girls’ lives by a patriarchal elite.
Afghanistan: Taliban and government talk, but fighting feeds distrustWith peace and/or regime change in Afghanistan the prize, a long road ahead looms for negotiations in Qatar between Taliban and the government.
First LookBahrain, UAE sign diplomatic pacts with Israel at White HouseIsrael and the United States hope the agreements will mark a shift toward peace in the Middle East should other Arab nations follow suit. But the pacts do not address the Israel-Palestine conflict and analysts remain doubtful about broader shifts.
First LookIsraeli Jewish extremist handed 3 life terms for arson attackAmiram Ben-Uliel was found guilty of killing a Palestinian toddler and his parents in a 2015 firebombing attack on their home in the West Bank.
In superheated Arab world, there are AC haves and have-notsWith a late-summer heat wave shattering temperature records in the Arab world, access to cooling is being seen less as a luxury issue.
First LookBahrain normalizes ties with Israel in diplomatic win for TrumpThe Persian Gulf nation has agreed to normalize diplomatic, commercial, and security relations with Israel, a decision driven by the Trump administration's diplomatic efforts. The deal is seen as a success for the White House and Israel, and a setback for Palestinians.
In Gaza, surge of coronavirus spurs fears and a jolt of pragmatismA recent surge of coronavirus cases in Gaza has had a bracing effect, bringing Hamas and Israel to step back from escalating hostilities.
Why US wants Saudis to follow UAE’s path to nuclear energyAs the rules-heavy U.S. competes with China for the direction of the Saudi nuclear program, it can point to the UAE’s by-the-book civilian reactor.
US offers a way off terrorism list. Is price right for Sudanese?To get off its list of terrorism supporters, the U.S. is offering post-dictatorship Sudan a “discounted” price. Many Sudanese have other priorities.
Why power-broker Hezbollah is still rocked by Beirut blastWith Lebanese demanding reforms, especially after the Beirut port blast, Hezbollah is now tarnished as an insider, even among its rank and file.
Why Afghan government is pushing more Taliban-style policiesAhead of fateful talks with the Taliban, the Afghanistan government must maintain support from both progressive and conservative segments in society.
Feeling betrayed by UAE, Palestinians seek to redefine struggleThe UAE-Israel deal is more than a diplomatic setback for Palestinians. It’s the collapse of a conceptual framework for achieving their aspirations.
First LookEncouraged by UAE move, Sudan seeks peace deal with IsraelDesperate to lift sanctions linked to its listing as a state sponsor of terror, Sudan is close to reaching a peace agreement with Israel. This marks the second diplomatic breakthrough for Israel and its Arab neighbors in a matter of days.
