All Middle East
First LookIsraelis and Palestinians compete over Muslim touristsThough 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 demandsQatar 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 ShiitesA 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 survivalWestern 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 abroadYoung 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 educationRebuilding 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 partiesPresident 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 LebanonThe 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 revivalSweeping 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 needKnown 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 SyriaThe 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 viewLegislative 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 IsraelAt 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 doctrineThe 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' clauseFollowing 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.
Syria pivot? Why anti-Assad rebels, dropped by CIA, could land with jihadists.Suspension of a CIA program that armed and trained the rebels leaves them with few options. Some may join the US-backed anti-ISIS campaign, but others may join jihadists to pursue their campaign against Assad. Some already have.
First LookIn a conciliatory move, Israeli officials take down metal detectors from shared shrineAlthough the tensions are not yet resolved, the compromise reveals a prevailing interest between Jews and Muslims to protect their diplomatic ties in Jerusalem.
First LookViolence at Israel's Jordan embassy escalates crisis over Jerusalem shrineJordan is the Muslim custodian of the shrine where Israeli authorities installed controversial metal detectors last week after Arab gunman killed two Israeli policemen near the shared holy site.
How Western spyware is being used to shut down Arab rights activistsSince the Arab Spring seven years ago, autocratic regimes have spent millions on Western firms' technology to steal activists' contacts, listen in on their conversations, and more.
