All Middle East
First LookOil tanker incident stokes concerns over US-Iran relationsThe U.S. Navy believes two tankers were targeted in a suspected June 13 attack near a key oil trade route. The incident comes a month after the U.S. alleged Iran perpetrated a similar attack, and some fear escalating tensions in the region.
How horrors in Sudan undermined US trust in its top Arab alliesAmerica’s Gulf Arab allies back Sudan’s military. But after a horrifying massacre, the U.S. has had to dispatch a top diplomat to ‘clean up their mess.’
FocusCan religious tolerance help an aspiring Muslim power?As the United Arab Emirates asserts itself as a rising Gulf power, its tradition of religious tolerance toward non-Muslims is emerging as an asset.
First LookIran frees detained US residentNizar Zakka, an internet freedom advocate, was detained in Tehran in 2015. Mr. Zakka, who has been released to his native Lebanon, was accused of being an American spy and sentenced to 10 years in prison. Motivations behind his release remain unclear.
American University in Kabul: Wielding soft power, in an age of warIn Kabul, a U.S.-funded university offers students a perspective-changing liberal arts education, a counterpoint to the destructive Afghanistan War.
Finding humanity in dangerous places – a reporter's storyIf you’ve been a Monitor reader for a while, you are probably aware that spinning through the heart of this organization is the pursuit of stories that find hope and humanity even in seemingly hopeless places – such as war-torn Syria where Dominique Soguel has found ways to penetrate the violence to discover people who possess boundless resilience and strength of spirit.
In Netanyahu’s Israel, concern for a democracy pushed to its limitsBenjamin Netanyahu’s efforts to preserve his position in the face of corruption charges have heightened concerns for Israel’s democracy.
Ramadan culture takes a fashionable turn, straining budgetsAround the Arab world, a steady rise in Ramadan consumerism is putting a premium on appearances, straining many budgets.
First LookIraq's controversial Green Zone will soon be open to the publicU.S. soldiers and Iraqi officials have protected a 4-square-mile zone as an oasis from conflict, but Iraq's prime minister plans to open it to the public.
Truce crumbles in Syria’s last refuge, and residents fear the worstA Russian-Turkish agreement that has kept a tense peace in Syria’s Idlib province has failed, and Bashar al-Assad’s forces are advancing.
First LookNetanyahu's future in jeopardy as Israel heads to snap electionsAfter 10 years in office, Benjamin Netanyahu looked certain for another term as prime minister. Now Israel faces an unprecedented repeat election.
Afghanistan’s stalemate: ‘talking and fighting’A Taliban spring offensive and a U.S. and Afghan government counteroffensive have created yet another obstacle to talks to end the war in Afghanistan.
Mideast peace plan’s rocky start: Did US misread Arab politics?The Palestinians have rejected an invitation to an economic conference in Bahrain. That bodes ill for Trump’s Mideast peace plan.
In this desert town, no traveler goes hungry, even in RamadanFor centuries, Maan, Jordan, the last oasis before 500 miles of scorching desert, has made it a mission to feed pilgrims and travelers.
First LookDrones attack Saudi oil facilities as Mideast tensions riseYemen's Houthi rebels claimed a coordinated drone attack on the kingdom. The latest string of attacks reflects the increasing risks for shippers as Iran's nuclear deal with world powers unravels.
The ExplainerSanctions, threats, deadlines: How the Iran nuclear deal is faringA year after the U.S. withdrew from the multilateral Iran nuclear deal, it’s under increased pressure. How close is it to unraveling?
On Memorial Day, an Israeli-Palestinian experiment in reconciliationOn Israel's Memorial Day, a shared ceremony between Israelis and Palestinians is a controversial but growing experiment in reconciliation.
War without end in Gaza: Why Israeli army is battling the governmentIsrael’s military leaders are frustrated that their advice on the seemingly endless war in Gaza is being ignored by their political masters.
Jordan’s men cheer working women. But will they help out at home?Women are breaking barriers to enter Jordan’s workforce. But without support at home, can they handle two jobs?
Why Europe is again a battlefield for Iran’s internal warsUnder mounting pressure from the U.S. and regional rivals, Iran has revived a long-dormant covert war against insurgents based in Europe.
