All Middle East
Attack on Saudi oil fields: Mapping a broader viewThe Saudi oil fields strike claimed by Shiite Houthis is best understood as part of a conflict with Iran involving actors across the region.
First LookIsraeli vote leans centrist; Netanyahu's future in doubtWith left-right divide largely preserved, a secular party opposed to an ultra-Orthodox role in government is poised to play the role of kingmaker.
Who will win in Israel Tuesday? Meet the unlikely kingmaker.The separation of religion and state has never been sorted out in Israel. Now a born-again secularist champion could swing a tight election.
First LookTensions, and oil prices, rise after attack on Saudi oil fieldsU.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo blamed Iran for the attack on Saudi Arabia and released satellite photos of 19 impact points at oil facilities.
Amid rubble in Kabul, fatigue with ‘talking while fighting’In Afghanistan, with U.S.-Taliban talks halted, there’s a consensus among Afghans: “The first law of peace is a cease-fire.”
The Islamist who would be presidentProfile in contradictions: In Tunisia, a nation with a strong secular tradition, an Islamist is a leading candidate for president.
Tired of TV debates? In Arab world, they’re historic, and inspiring.A three-day series of TV debates between Tunisian presidential candidates made history in the Arab world. A Monitor correspondent was present.
First LookIran urges US to 'put warmongers aside'Iranian news coverage of John Bolton's dismissal suggests the former national security adviser could be a scapegoat for tensions with the U.S.
Is Israel ready for an Arab party to join a coalition government?Despite the fear-mongering and polarization accompanying upcoming elections in Israel, new ideas for progress are being broached.
Crash course in democracy: 26 candidates, 2 weeksTunisia, one of the world’s youngest democracies, is electing a president in a lightning campaign that’s emphasizing policy over partisanship.
First LookAfghanistan talks near an end, but Taliban attacks continueA U.S. envoy says an Afghanistan peace deal is just a presidential signature away from final approval, even as the Taliban ramps up attacks.
Why Iran and Israel are crossing each other’s red linesOutside pressure from the U.S. that upset the tense Israel-Iran equilibrium could explain why the enemies are increasing the pressure on each other.
First LookFracturing coalition, Yemeni government blames UAE for attackYemen's government accused the United Arab Emirates of an airstrike on its troops, which may spell the end of a fragile coalition led by Saudi Arabia.
What debate over modern education tells us about a divided TurkeyThe internal dispute over Turkey’s national identity explains the broad criticism of a new wave of educational reforms.
First LookIsrael attacks drones in Syria: A pattern of U.S.-Iran tensionsIsraeli fighter jets attack targets in Syria on an almost weekly basis, including on Saturday night, to thwart a planned Iranian drone strike.
Why Saudi-UAE alliance is cracking: Yemen, Iran, and TrumpRecent shifts in the prolonged Yemen conflict show how the Trump-friendly Saudi-UAE power relationship, a bulwark against Iran, is fraying.
In Afghanistan, weaving ancient industry back into global marketAs Afghanistan seeks to restore full ownership of its carpet industry, merchants talk of the soul captured in the modern versions of this ancient art.
What Russian deal? Israel and Jordan cast wary eye toward Syria.Israel and Jordan are disappointed with a Russian security deal that hasn’t stopped Hezbollah from entrenching itself in southern Syria.
First LookWhat's behind the clash at Jerusalem holy site?Palestinians gathered at the Al-Aqsa mosque compound Sunday, and later threw stones at police after they allowed Jewish visitors to enter the site.
Talking in Qatar, bombing in Kabul. How to explain the Taliban?What does the Taliban’s “fight and talk” approach signal about the durability of an Afghanistan peace deal?
