All Middle East
- From Darfur to Israel to US, refugee refines his fight for Sudan
Mutasim Ali, an activist detained in his native Sudan and in Israel, is heading to Washington for a second law degree and enhanced influence.
- First LookSome Iranians embrace American culture with a Coke and a smile
Sanctions from the U.S. have not stopped the influx of Western culture into Iran. From soft drinks to movie stars, Iran's youth find American lifestyle "very attractive."
- First LookIran breaks nuclear deal, enriches uranium to 4.5%
On Monday, Iran began enriching uranium to 4.5%, breaking the limit of 3.67% set by its 2015 nuclear deal. Higher enrichment and a growing stockpile could narrow the one-year window Iran would need to stockpile material for an atomic bomb.
- The ExplainerMoney first, politics later. Did Bahrain advance Mideast peace?
After decades of frustration in Israeli-Palestinian peace efforts, Trump has vowed to succeed where others have failed. How his approach is working.
- First LookYoung classical musicians in Tehran offer respite from reality
Amid strains from U.S. sanctions, a surprise: Younger audiences and musicians in Iran find delight in Western classical music.
- Russian missiles for Turkey? What’s at stake as collision looms.
For years NATO watchers have looked on with concern as Turkey has courted Russia. Now a missile deal has become a pivotal issue of Turkish identity.
- US-Iran clash enters cyber realm and tests a Trump strategy
As the U.S.-Iran confrontation moves into the cyber realm, in addition to the physical, it also helps make an argument for restraint.
- First LookIran breaks uranium stockpile limit from 2015 deal
Iran announced June 17 it would exceed the limit, its first major breach of the deal. European leaders have met to find ways to save the deal, with U.S.-Iran tensions mounting and Iran threatening to enrich closer to weapons-grade levels.
- Iranian leaders shun ‘chalice of poison’
Iran is unlikely to cave to pressure it feels from the United States, analysts say. Because Ayatollah Khomeini once did.
- First LookVerbal sparring continues as Iran calls US sanctions 'idiotic'
Responding to new U.S. sanctions against Iran's top leadership, Tehran says the measures signaled a “permanent closure” for future diplomacy. As tensions rise, members of the White House maintain the door to a diplomatic solution is still open.
- US-Iran standoff: Mutual provocations, and moves to de-escalate
Iran has shot down a U.S. drone. The U.S. is adding sanctions. But both sides show interest in pulling back from the risk of an unintentional war.
- Why an opposition win in Istanbul weakens Erdoğan’s grip
Turkey’s ruling party lost a rerun of Istanbul’s mayoral election, giving opponents a platform to challenge President Erdoğan’s grip on power.
- First LookIranians stuck between US sanctions and Tehran's hardline stance
Iran’s 80 million residents struggle to cope with devaluation, inflation, and unemployment made worse by U.S. sanctions. Iranians blame their own government as well as Washington.
- First LookIran shoots down info-gathering US drone
Iran launched its first acknowledged attack against the U.S. in the two countries' current standoff, downing an American drone. Washington and Tehran dispute the circumstances, but the episode is intensifying a growing conflict.
- First LookIran: Europe has until July 8 to save nuclear deal
Iran wants European powers to save its economy by buying Iranian oil to counteract U.S. sanctions. It threatened to enrich uranium to a higher level than allowed by its 2015 nuclear deal if Europe does not step in.
- Mohamed Morsi and the fall of Egypt’s ‘honorable’ revolution
Mohamed Morsi was not Egypt’s George Washington. But his faults showed the Muslim Brotherhood political pitfalls to avoid elsewhere in the region.
- The ExplainerCan the US protect the Persian Gulf if Iran wants to target tankers?
Tensions between the U.S. and Iran are high after a half-dozen oil tankers were attacked in the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz.
- In Trump peace conference, a perilous balancing act for Jordan
Phase One of President Trump’s Middle East peace plan, an economic summit in Bahrain, has put Jordan and Egypt in a delicate position.
- First LookIran to exceed uranium stockpile limit as nuclear deal continues to stumble
Iran will soon exceed the stockpile limit set by the 2015 nuclear deal, and is nearing weapons-grade enrichment. World leaders are striving to find improved terms for the deal, which unraveled after the U.S. pulled out to pursue sanctions.
- Difference MakerFor Afghan midwife, saving women’s lives is a lifelong passion
Women’s health, education, and power are still advancing in Afghanistan. This midwife has opened doors to play a valuable role.