All Middle East
Israel’s Gantz is not Netanyahu. Is that enough?Israelis looking to unseat Mr. Netanyahu are confronting a tough question: Is it enough to run against someone without touting a positive alternative?
How Donald Trump is driving some Israeli Arabs to voteIsrael’s March 2 election represents a chance, in the eyes of many Arab Israelis, to vote for politicians who will defend their place as equals.
First LookEgypt's Mubarak: a symbol of autocratic misrule or stability?Former Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak, who was in power for almost three decades, died Tuesday. Forced to resign during Arab Spring protests in 2011, he was also a U.S. ally, repressed Islamic militancy, and defended peace with Israel.
Iran votes: How apathy and anger are fueling leaders’ uneaseAs Iranians head to the polls Friday, an increasingly dejected citizenry, and insecure leadership, are lowering projections for turnout.
First LookNetanyahu promises over 5,000 new homes in East JerusalemEmboldened by President Donald Trump's support and new Mideast plan, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appears to be charging ahead with construction. On Thursday, he announced plans for a "mid-sized city" in an area Palestinians want for themselves.
Can ‘low-bar’ US-Taliban deal clear Afghanistan’s high hurdles?In Afghanistan, distrust and suspicions abound, but the U.S. and the Taliban are embarking on another search for a deal to end America's longest war.
First LookCommercial flights resume in Aleppo, symbolic amid warAfter the city fell into rebel hands in 2012, domestic flights between the country's largest cities were grounded. President Bashar al-Assad has reopened the airport this week as government forces consolidate control in Idlib province, the last rebel-held areas.
First LookNetanyahu corruption trial to begin amid national electionsBenjamin Netanyahu is charged with bribery, fraud, and accepting lavish gifts in exchange for regulatory favors. The timing of the March 17 trial against Israel's longest-serving prime minister could weaken his ability to form a new government.
Libya: Why Arab world is scrambling to join multinational conflictLibya’s oil and resources tempt outsiders. But at stake for the Arab world in Libya’s war is also the struggle between democracy and autocracy.
Annexation: What it means for Israel, the Palestinians, and peacePerhaps the most explosive idea in President Trump’s Middle East peace plan is that Israel could unilaterally annex portions of the West Bank.
First LookIraq's new PM: A credible path to progress amid street protests?On Sunday, some protestors rejected Iraq's new prime minister Mohammed Allawi. But Mr. Allawi is backed by Muqtada al-Sadr, a powerful Shiite cleric.
In Trump plan, Arab Israelis see assault on their identityArab citizens of Israel have long occupied a delicate position straddling two worlds. Now the Trump peace plan is seen as challenging hard-won gains.
Trump’s Mideast ‘Deal’: Four questions on who gets whatPresident Trump came into office promising a plan for Mideast peace. After three years, we get a look at his vision for Israelis and Palestinians.
First LookYemen sees sudden spike in violence, threatening peace talksBack-channel negotiations between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis stirred hopes for agreement but renewed violence has rattled the political process.
First LookSyrian troops capture strategic rebel-held townSyrian government's capture of rebel town in Idlib province is the latest military triumph for President Bashar al-Assad amid the ongoing civil war.
Need art to hang in your tent? Get thee to Cairo.The wall art and other furnishings for sale in Cairo’s Souk Al Khayamiyya, or tent-makers market, tell the story of Egypt’s rich past.
First LookUS-Iran tensions provide comeback opportunity for ISIslamic State attacks increase in Iraq and Syria amid rising tensions between U.S. and Iran since the killing of Iranian general Qassem Soleimani.
Why Trump’s Mideast splash is causing barely a ripple in Arab worldThe Palestinian cause once united the Arab world. So why is the imminent announcement of Trump’s “peace plan” not eliciting a regional outburst?
First LookUnclaimed mortars start fire at US Embassy in BaghdadThe nighttime attack marks the third strike on the U.S. Embassy this month, as violence erupts between Iraqi protesters and security forces.
First LookU.S. peace plan: Will it help Netanyahu win Israeli election?President Trump's Palestinian-Israeli peace plan was rejected by Palestinians. But could it help Netanyahu win the March 3 Israeli election?
