All Middle East
How Tunisia's resilient Sufis have withstood hard-line Islamist attackPuritanical Salafist Muslims have attacked Sufi shrines and communities across the Arab world in a campaign to spread their influence. But in Tunisia, where national history and identity are intimately intertwined with Sufism, the Salafis have been thwarted.
Why Syrians in besieged eastern Ghouta refuse to leaveIf raw fear of ongoing violence is one factor preventing civilians from approaching the designated exit corridor, an even greater hurdle is a lack of trust – of the Assad regime and its Russian backers.
To survive scandals, Netanyahu relies on mantra: no one else can lead IsraelNetanyahu vows to stay in office even if, as police recommend, he is indicted. His critics say that would be damaging to Israel's democracy. But for his supporters, the long-serving premier has delivered security and prosperity, so what harm is a little corruption?
As world watches relentless barrage, cowering Syrians feel hopeless, abandonedDespite a UN Security Council resolution demanding a cease-fire, Syria and its allies have continued to pound the rebel enclave of eastern Ghouta outside Damascus. Civilians cower in the basements, with little hope of reconciliation or peace, or any expectation of outside help.
Cover StoryCan schools help rid the world of sexual harassers and abusers?From Iceland and Israel to Mexico and South Korea, schools around the world increasingly see rooting out sexism as their domain, before it takes hold and expresses itself in workplace abuse or domestic violence. Part 8 of Reaching for Equity: a global series on gender and power.
First LookSaudi Arabia places a woman in top government positionA ruling from King Salman of Saudi Arabia has opened military leadership positions to a younger generation and placed a woman in a senior government position. King Salman's actions indicate growing support for gender equality in the conservative country.
From fisherman to smuggler: How ocean pollution fuels Tunisian migrationPollution, unemployment, and a sense of desperation are driving previously law-abiding fishermen in Tunisia to consider selling their boats to smugglers.
In Tunis suburb, a revolutionary demand: jobs, not freedomsIn neighborhoods like Douar Hicher, outside Tunis, the very same conditions that led to Tunisia’s Arab-World-changing revolution persist: unemployment, marginalization, urban migration, and police harassment.
How post-ISIS scramble for advantage in Syria raises risk of wider warWhile outside powers that played large roles in the Syrian war show little desire for an enlarged conflict, their fierce rivalry in the war's 'most dangerous phase' poses an escalation threat, as recent violence demonstrated.
In Gaza, amid warnings of an explosion, a sense of abandonmentIn overcrowded Gaza, jobs, food, water, and electricity are in short supply, with warnings that a collapse is imminent. The parties that seemingly would want to make a difference – Hamas, Fatah, Israel, and Egypt – haven't.
First LookIsraeli police recommend Netanyahu be indicted on bribery and breach of trustThe recommendations now go to the attorney general, who will review the material before deciding whether to file charges. But the prime minister could soon find himself facing calls to step aside.
Afghanistan: In midwinter attacks, a brutal Pakistani reply to TrumpThe military-grade explosives used in recent Taliban and ISIS attacks in Afghanistan point to a state sponsor, likely Pakistan, analysts say, adding that Pakistan has a range of options in how it replies to recent US pressure.
Why mixed-gender combat units are on the rise in IsraelDespite resistance from rabbis and former commanders, the number of women in combat roles in the Israeli army is increasing sharply. Demands for equality are just one reason: The army finds the move useful.
First LookYemen's ancient monuments at risk as war rages onIn an effort to save some of Yemen's holiest and most historical ancient sites, UNESCO has shared the coordinates of 50 sites with militaries involved in the fighting. Although targeted hits have decreased, the sites are still vulnerable to the violence.
First LookRare dinosaur discovery marks Egypt's strides in paleontologyThe discovery of a rare plant-eating dinosaur's fossils in western Egypt has ignited international excitement about the region's potential deposits. While a global leader in archeology, the country has seen far less success with prehistoric excavation.
First LookFemale Afghan coders break gender barriers in fight against opiumA girls-only computer programing school in Herat is empowering girls to learn code as a way to change their lives. The girls have created a game centered around the opium crisis to raise awareness among the young.
Afghanistan by the numbers: inside the fight over factsThe Congress-appointed government watchdog for the war in Afghanistan is expressing the concern that the American people are not getting basic facts about the conflict. Analysts agree, and say it's not going well.
First LookMoroccan miners protest lack of economic opportunityProtests over a lack of jobs and development have stirred in Morocco's remote communities. Out-of-work miners are asking for the king's involvement after men who were scavenging for coal in an abandoned coal were killed.
First LookSyrian refugees return to their war-torn homesUnable to stand the cold weather, language barrier, and unemployment, a small but growing number of refugees are feeling the pull to return to Syria.
Why Israeli plan to deport Africans is facing growing Jewish oppositionNetanyahu refers to the nearly 40,000 Africans as 'illegal labor infiltrators.' But Jews in the Diaspora and Israel, including Holocaust survivors, say deportation would be a violation of Jewish values and history, citing the commandment to 'Love the stranger.'
