All Middle East
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.
First LookIsrael preserves Holocaust history in survivors' memorabiliaAs the world's community of Holocaust survivors shrinks, their live testimonies will soon to be a thing of the past. Israel's Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial is in a race against time, collecting survivors' objects to preserve their memories.
First LookISIS legacy haunts Iraqi women, children seeking new lifeThousands of Iraqis face discrimination because their male relatives were seen as affiliated with or supporting ISIS. Many of the wives, widows, and children have been disowned by their families and abandoned by the state.
Why the Arab battle for democracy now runs through SudanSudan has suddenly emerged as the focus of the Arab world’s battle for democracy, with a Saudi-UAE alliance backing the military.
