All Middle East
In Israel, Orthodox women are fighting to be heard ... and seenGender segregation among devout Jews has been expanding in Israel, but Orthodox women are combating what they see as their marginalization.
Forged in battle, protected by honor: A warm wool hatWhat values are in a hat? In a Tunis souk, an exclusive society of hat-masters ruled by a code and tradition manufacture the iconic wool chachiya.
First LookWhy Iran-US tensions flare in IraqProtests follow a U.S. strike on an Iran-backed militia. They also come as anti-government protesters in Iraq have attacked Iranian diplomatic sites.
First LookProtesting airstrikes, militia supporters breach US Embassy in BaghdadThe attack, for which President Trump blamed Iran, represents a major downturn in Iraq-US relations, which could weaken DC’s campaign against Tehran.
For Palestinians, sudden wave of election talk rekindles hopePromises of progress in the Middle East are often viewed with skepticism. But a hunger for democracy makes talk of Palestinian elections tantalizing.
First LookIsrael’s Netanyahu shores up base but obstacles remainBenjamin Netanyahu handily won a primary in Israel this week, but the recently indicted prime minister now faces tough national elections in March.
First LookIn Lebanon, protesters fight despair with fellowshipAs Lebanon protests against corruption drag on, people are coming together across sectarian lines to support one another and keep the movement alive.
First LookJustice for Khashoggi? Saudis sentence 5 to die for his killing.Independent United Nations investigator condemns verdicts in Jamal Khashoggi killing as a “mockery,” saying masterminds “have barely been touched.”
‘From Midwest to Middle East’: Taylor Luck on keeping an open heart (audio)So how did the Monitor’s Taylor Luck become a Middle East correspondent? In his own words, he “jumped from the Midwest to the Middle East with an open heart and an open mind.”
First LookLebanon delays PM designation seven weeks after resignationSaad al-Hariri, the former prime minister of Lebanon, was expected to be nominated for the fourth time. Now, his successor's nomination is delayed.
First LookEgypt gas deal makes Israel a major energy exporterIsrael hopes to revolutionize its economy using nearby natural gas fields, despite concerns from environmental and social welfare activists.
The real story behind a charred Iraqi shrine: Resentment of IranIs Iran’s power waning in Iraq? Popular resentment toward Iranian overreach is growing, as the violence at a Najaf shrine showed.
First LookUN report says Libya will be new frontier for Islamic StateCaught in a civil war driven by foreign interference, Libya may become a hotbed for ISIL activity, a report by a panel of United Nations experts says.
Young Moroccans love their country. Here’s why they’re leaving.Morocco’s king was lauded for creating an exception to the Arab Spring, but for Moroccans today, his measures have fallen short.
Iraq protesters to government: Listen to us (not to Iran)Iraq protesters want broad reforms and less Iranian influence. Iraq’s top cleric called today for new premier to be named “without foreign influence.”
Tunisia as a hub for LGBTQ rights? Democracy is making it happen.The democracy Tunisia won in the Arab Spring has allowed the LGBTQ community the freedom to advocate for itself and make the country a haven.
First LookEgypt's government plans to drive away tuk-tuksMotorized rickshaws carry millions of Egyptians home every day, but the government wants to replace them with licensed, more eco-friendly minivans.
First LookIran state media acknowledges protest violenceAfter weeks of silence, Iran state media admitted government clashes with protestors had fatal results. Watchdogs say there is more to the story.
Cover StoryKansas in Middle East? How US has – and hasn’t – changed AfghanistanThe U.S. has spent more in Afghanistan than it did rebuilding Europe after World War II. But the legacy of those efforts has been mixed.
First LookIraq's prime minister resigns, but what happens next?Iraq's parliament on Sunday accepted Prime Minister Adil Abdul-Mahdi's resignation. But the path to replacing him was clouded with legal questions.
