All Middle East
Checkbook diplomacy? How Qatar’s renewed US ties reshape the Gulf.President Trump’s “transactional” diplomacy has created competition among Gulf Arabs for U.S. support. Qatar has taken advantage.
Why Syria is signaling refugees they're not all welcome homeThe hardship endured by millions of Syrian refugees, one of the main human costs of the civil war, is outlasting the conflict.
First LookAfter years of war, signs of renewal in Syria's ancient bazaarIn Aleppo, markets that have stood since the 1300s are slowly being repaired. Once a hub for Syrians and tourists, shop owners hope for their return.
First LookNew law allows Saudi women to travel without male consentSaudi Arabia ends its guardianship policy, loosening restrictions on women's rights. Now women can apply for passports, register marriage and births.
Kibbutz in the city? The healing mission of Israel’s new communes.With a modern pioneering zeal, a new generation is reinventing the kibbutz idea, moving to development towns and disadvantaged cities around Israel.
‘The wheels of time will not turn back’: Saudi women eye new freedomsInsiders say the kingdom is set to allow women to obtain passports and travel abroad – the core part of the so-called male guardianship system.
First LookAfghan children follow parents to work as hardships continueEducation in Afghanistan remains a luxury for many families. Despite billions in aid from the U.S. and its allies, more children are participating in manual labor to help keep their families afloat.
Behind Iran spy drama, a broader escalationThe timing of Iran’s declaration today that it captured 17 Iranians last year who were trained by the CIA signals a renewal of the US-Iran covert war.
First LookIran taunts British with videos of tanker ship seizureIran released video and audio recordings of the seizure of the HMS Stena Impero, suggesting Britain's once mighty Navy was unable to save the ship.
First LookLebanese lose faith in politicians as economy faltersThe public has grown distrustful of the political class widely considered corrupt and steeped in personal rivalries. Taxes, utility bills, and prices have increased in recent years while income has stagnated.
The ball is in Europe’s court to save Iran nuclear dealEurope may be the best hope for salvaging the Iran nuclear deal amid rising tensions between Tehran and Washington in the Persian Gulf.
First LookStruggling with a sanctioned economy, Iranians turn to BitcoinFacing an economy crippled by U.S. sanctions, Iranians are turning to Bitcoin to make extra money. The currency's lack of regulations, however, are making some in the U.S. and Iranian governments wary.
A police killing puts racism on the agenda. This time in Israel.The outrage and protests that followed the death of an Ethiopian Jew are forcing Israel to confront anti-black racism as a real problem.
First LookIran women protest mandatory hijabs by going withoutWomen in Tehran haven't been wearing mandatory hijabs in public, and many others opt for loosely draped scarves instead of the usual wrap. But the debate has further polarized Iranians as pressure from U.S. sanctions increases.
US-Iran escalation: It’s message-sending, but the risks are highThe U.S. and Iran want something from the other. But they’re expressing that through sanctions and Gulf provocations that can slip out of control.
From Darfur to Israel to US, refugee refines his fight for SudanMutasim 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 smileSanctions 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 realityAmid strains from U.S. sanctions, a surprise: Younger audiences and musicians in Iran find delight in Western classical music.
