All Middle East
First LookIraq celebrates anniversary of defeating Islamic StateIraqis celebrated the one year anniversary of driving out the Islamic State stronghold on Dec. 10. While many approached the national holiday with a joyous attitude, some wondered about the 1.8 million Iraqis who remain displaced after the war.
What one death threat says about Taliban's campaign of fearWhat advantages do insurgents have? Afghanistan’s Taliban have been tenacious – in battle, in gathering intelligence, and in the way they can “play” people, as our reporter learned close at hand.
First LookIsrael targets Hezbollah tunnels near Lebanese borderThe Israeli military has begun a concerted campaign to destroy tunnels built by the Lebanese paramilitary group Hezbollah leading into Israeli territory as concerns rise over new Israeli-Hezbollah tensions.
First LookYemen faces enduring conflict even if outside forces leave, experts sayThe killing of Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi by Saudi agents has renewed efforts to end Yemen's civil war, which sets the Saudi-led coalition against the Iran-aligned Houthis. But even if the Saudis withdrew, some experts say, the fighting could get worse.
As US sours on young prince, old Saudi succession pot is stirred. Too late?How much sway does the United States have over Saudi Arabia? Enough so that disfavor toward the crown prince over the Khashoggi affair has shaken the royal family – after MBS had already moved to solidify his power.
First LookEgyptian housing crisis exacerbated by government policiesEgypt's president has cracked down on building residential homes on agricultural land. The dilemma is posing a catch-22 for Egypt's poor and middle-class, who cannot afford living in new government-subsidized housing communities.
First LookNew Egyptian watchdog agency will protect the government, not citizensEgypt has established a new human rights agency to battle accusations against the government of human rights violations. Egyptian lawyers see the move as a return to Egypt's status quo at the turn of the century.
Why cease-fire with Hamas has formed cracks in Israeli coalitionHow responsive should leaders be to their citizens’ passions? It’s a delicate balance, and the prudent course can be politically perilous: Israel’s cease-fire with Hamas almost brought down the government.
First LookHouthis in Yemen signal willingness for peace talks with SaudisIn a grueling war that has cost the lives of thousands of people and produced one of the world's worst humanitarian crisis, the first step for peace is being laid by Houthis rebels as pressure mounts for a solution to the conflict.
First LookFuture of Cairo uncertain as government plans mass exodus to new capitalOne government solution to the squalor overtaking Cairo, home to 20 million, is simple: just leave. As ministries and the wealthy prepare to abandon the city for a fresh start, many see this as a sign of President el-Sisi's cronyism and lack of accountability.
First LookSaudi prosecutor will seek the death penalty for Khashoggi's killersSaudi Arabia's top prosector announced at a press conference he will seek the death penalty for five suspects charged with orchestrating the murder of Saudi writer Jamal Khashoggi. The prosecutor stated the killing was a spontaneous action and not premeditated.
In Afghan vote, an optimistic, energetic young guard targeted the oldWarlord-heavy politics has dominated Afghanistan for much of its modern history. A generation of budding politicians, many of whom ran in parliamentary elections Oct. 20, aspires to change that.
First LookIsrael's cease-fire agreement with Gaza triggers defense minister's resignationIsraeli Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman announced his resignation on Nov. 14 sending Israel's coalition government into a tailspin. Prime Minister Netanyahu insists the cease-fire deal with Gaza militants is best for Israel's long-term security.
First LookGrowing Iranian influence as Shi'ite militias head to Iraqi parliamentWith the campaign against the Islamic State effectively over, Iraqi militias created for combat are being re-directed for political purposes. In Iraq's parliament, a growing bloc of politicians with ties to Iran is emerging.
First LookRocket fire between Israel and Hamas escalates thoughts of warIsrael and Hamas in the Gaza Strip are now engaged in the worst series of fighting since 2014. A botched Israeli undercover mission in Gaza over the weekend led to the resumption of rocket attacks in southern Israel.
First LookIran looks to triple trade with Iraq after US sanctionsFrom colorful rugs to the latest industrial tools, Iranian manufacturers at the Baghdad International Fair in Iraq worked to find new export customers. But companies who do business with Iran cannot also do business with the United States.
Open SESAME: Jordan’s particle accelerator breaks down atoms – and barriersThe Middle East is often portrayed as a region locked in perpetual turmoil. But in the foothills of western Jordan, scientists from all over the region are setting aside national politics to work together.
Patron of the past: The Jordanian duke who's preserving the soul of the LevantThe Duke of Mukhaibeh, Mamdouh Bisharat, has devoted his life to protecting Jordanian heritage. His lifework is a lesson in how honoring one’s history can pave the way for a prosperous future.
First LookRouhani says Iran in 'war situation' as US sanctions resumeIn Iran, fallout from US sanctions have been devastating: Its currency has plummeted, while the prices of everyday goods continue to soar. President Hassan Rouhani has reacted by escalating his rhetoric toward the US, warning that Iran is in a "war situation."
First LookSyria plans to replace rubble with luxury developmentsPlans for Marota City, an investment project in Damascus, features luxury high-rises and shopping centers. Many developments are under way in former rebel-held areas but critics of President Bashar Assad believe the rebuilding projects are politically motivated.
