All Middle East
- Free passage for ISIS: Was Hezbollah-backed deal a jab at Lebanese Army?
The free-passage deal that sent ISIS fighters and their families from Lebanon across Syria sparked outrage in Iraq and the US. It also raised suspicions that Hezbollah had deliberately snatched battlefield glory from the Lebanese Army.
- First LookUN commission finds Syria at fault for April gas attack
Investigators conclude the Syrian government did use chemical weapons in an area with civilians. This report comes as Syria, Russia, and Iran escalate fighting around the city of Deir el-Zour in order to drive out Islamic State militants.
- First LookSyrian forces end three-year Islamic State siege of Deir al-Zor
Syrian government forces have reached an enclave of troops and civilians in Deir al-Zor, one of the Islamic State's last military strongholds in the country.
- First LookUN: IS strongholds in Syria could fall by October
The United Nations' envoy to Syria said parts of the country could be liberated from Islamic State control by October, and that the push for free elections should be a priority in the coming year.
- First LookIsraelis and Palestinians compete over Muslim tourists
Though only a small part of Jerusalem's religious tourism market, Muslim pilgrims are becoming a sought-after demographic for both Israel and the Palestinian Authority.
- First LookQatar restores diplomatic relations with Iran, countering Arab demands
Qatar restored full relations with Iran, ignoring demands from Arab nations and deepening the Gulf dispute.
- In Saudi diplomatic shift on Iraq, a hand to Sunnis ... and Shiites
A summer charm offensive holds the promise of helping bring Sunnis back into Iraq's political process and lessening Iran's hold on the country. But Tehran is likely to push back and test the Saudis' resolve.
- First LookSyria opposition asked to come to terms with Assad's political survival
Western and regional rebel patrons, currently more focused on advancing their own interests rather than accomplishing regime change in Damascus, are shifting their alliances and have ceased calls on Assad to step down.
- First LookMorocco shaken by carnage in Europe, blamed on Moroccans who moved abroad
Young men from the North African nation have been involved in deadly attacks in Paris and Brussels, and – just last week – emerged as suspects in violence in Spain and Finland. The Islamic State group has claimed responsibility.
- Amid Mosul rubble, a crucial challenge: rebuilding education
Rebuilding Mosul's once-vaunted educational system is a crucial investment in Iraq's future as it seeks to overcome years of war, deprivation, and sectarian conflict, officials and educators say.
- First LookErdogan urges German Turks to vote against major parties
President Erdogan of Turkey called German Chancellor Angel Merkel and her Christian Democratic supporters enemies of his country. The comments are some of Erdogan's harshest yet against Ms. Merkel and her Christian Democrats.
- First LookSyrian rebels, refugees leave enclave in Lebanon
The departure of rebels from a group called Saraya Ahl al-Sham will leave an Islamic State enclave as the last militant stronghold straddling the border near the Lebanese town of Arsal, which is home to tens of thousands of refugees.
- In 'liberated' Mosul, ISIS still imperils the path to city's revival
Sweeping western Mosul of ISIS booby-traps, weapons factories, and hold-out snipers is dangerous work for Iraqi police whose goal, after a nine-month siege, is to tell returning residents 'Your house is good.'
- First LookAfghan boy shows his art in Serbia to help another in need
Known as 'Little Picasso,' Farhad Nouri is a migrant from Afghanistan with remarkable artistic talent. He wants to show how important it is to be good to other people.
- What Carla Del Ponte's resignation means for search for justice in Syria
The veteran prosecutor decried Russian obstruction at the UN and a lack of political will in her decision to quit the war crimes probe into Syria. But others cite progress and note justice often does not come until the conflict is over.
- Progress WatchAcross the Arab world, a 'Women’s Spring' comes into view
Legislative advances for women in Tunisia and Jordan may soon be followed by measures in Lebanon and Iraq. A quiet revolution has drawn on women’s increased participation in politics and the improved flow of ideas across borders.
- First LookJordan's king visits West Bank: A rare trip seen as message to Israel
At a time of rising Israeli-Jordanian and Israeli-Palestinian tensions, Jordan's King Abdullah II visits the Palestinian government compound and met with President Mahmoud Abbas.
- First LookReligion on the go: clerics use Cairo subway to clarify Islamic doctrine
The controversial move to give worshippers an easy window into Islamic teachings is part of a larger push to correct misconceptions on extremism, but some say that a subway station is not the appropriate setting.
- First LookJordanian parliament moves to end 'marry the rapist' clause
Following in the footsteps of Tunisia, Morocco, and Egypt, Jordan's parliament voted Tuesday to remove the provision that allows rapists to escape punishment by marrying their victims.
- First LookIran rocket test: space program boon or nuclear handwringer?
Iran’s successful test of a satellite-carrying rocket is a symbol of the country’s maturing space program, but may spite adversaries who complain that the launch violates the spirit of a 2015 nuclear peacekeeping deal.