All Middle East
- First LookLarge bomb kills at least 80 in Kabul
The bomb, one of the deadliest in the city, exploded in the center of Afghanistan's capital in the middle of the morning rush hour.
- First LookIraqis demand compensation from US for bombing that killed more than 100 civilians
On March 17, US forces reportedly targeted two IS snipers in a single building, which set off a series of explosives in the house that killed many civilians. Iraqi officials, however, say that there were only civilians killed in the blast, and that there were no hidden munitions.
- First LookMilitants attack bus of Coptic Christians in Egypt
The attack reportedly bears the hallmarks of groups linked to the Islamic State.
- Rouhani's election victory in Iran was dramatic, but how deep did it go?
For President Rouhani to parlay his reelection mandate into real changes in Iran's 'deep state' power structure, he would need the support of conservatives. For now, that is unlikely.
- In Jordanian city hit by ISIS, old lessons on Christian-Muslim coexistence
Muslim and Christian residents of Karak, Jordan, say putting community first, and respecting each other's religious sensitivities, are key to more than coexistence. They call it interdependence.
- With huge arms deal, US pivots back to Saudis. How does it affect the region?
The $110 billion deal places the US squarely on Saudi Arabia's side in its rivalry with Iran, and is likely to further embolden the Saudis in their devastating war in Yemen, analysts say.
- First LookTrump emphasizes cooperation during first visit to Israel
The unconventional nature of Trump's presidency has raised some hopes that he might find peaceful solutions where others have failed, but the Israeli-Palestinian conflict will not be solved overnight, experts say.
- First LookReformists win big during recent Iranian election
Candidates backing reform have made impressive gains in municipal elections across the country, including its capital, Tehran.
- Taboo-breaking election is test of how much dissent Iran can handle
Locked in a tight race, incumbent President Rouhani invokes his challenger's role in political executions. The supreme leader, Ayatollah Khamenei, has called for high voter turnout Friday, but that carries risks.
- More than they bargained for? Israeli leaders gird for Trump visit.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has signaled that Trump is someone he can work with. But the president's unpredictability and recent enthusiasm for the Mideast peace process could put Israel's right-wing coalition in a tough spot.
- In Iran election, lackluster economy opens door to a populist push
The presidential election, which has become a referendum on moderate President Hassan Rouhani's first term, has seen his conservative challengers cast themselves as champions of the working class.
- On Jordan's East Bank, Palestinians grasp at old idea for statehood
Palestinian-Jordanian confederation has long been a non-starter, not least because Israeli rightists espoused the idea that 'Jordan is Palestine.' But a lack of faith in the peace process and their leadership has spurred many on the East Bank to revive the idea.
- How strong is the US-Kurdish alliance this time?
From the Kurds' perspective, many chapters in their history of military cooperation with the US have ended in disappointment. In Syria, the Kurdish YPG is the key US ally in the fight against ISIS, and they have expectations.
- First LookIraqi prime minister: after Islamic State is defeated, US combat troops will leave
According to the prime minister, any troops that stay on in the country will be advisers for training purposes only, though details have not been finalized.
- Moqtada al-Sadr: In Iraq, a fiery cleric redefines himself as nationalist patriot
The Shiite cleric is poised to consolidate his position not only as an influential political kingmaker but as someone who can mobilize potentially millions of followers.
- A US president hosts a Palestinian leader. Has anything changed? Maybe.
Expectations are low for Trump's meeting with Mahmoud Abbas. Yet there is pressure on the Palestinian leader to offer something to help break the Middle East logjam. One reason: Gulf Arab states want to keep the dealmaker-in-chief interested in the region.
- First LookHamas will remove a call for the destruction of Israel
In a policy document, the ruling party of Gaza will also drop its association with the Muslim Brotherhood in an effort to improve relations with Gulf Arab states and Egypt.
- First LookIslamic State fighters pushed out of old portion of strategically important Tabqa
US-backed forces have retaken about 60 percent of the town, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.
- Israel strikes Hezbollah-run arms supply hub to destroy weapons from Iran
The strike took place near Damascus airport on Thursday, even though Israel has largely kept out of the conflict in Syria.
- First LookPalestinian Authority pulls the plug on Israeli electricity to Gaza
The Palestinian Authority and Hamas, who controls the enclave, are in a bitter power struggle, as the Trump administration is expected to be more sympathetic to Israel.