All Middle East
- America's modest success in Syria, and why it's under threat
The US and its Arab partners have had some success backing rebels in southern Syria. But if the Assad regime wins in Aleppo, it could turn toward the south – changing the complexion of the war.
- First LookTurkey coup crackdown widens as government detains journalists
In a growing crackdown in the aftermath of an attempted coup, Turkey has detained the editor and at least a dozen senior staffers of a major opposition newspaper.
- In Lebanon vote, counting skills and glass ballot box make all the difference
Michel Aoun became Lebanon's president Monday. At one point, 128 parliamentarians voted, even though only 127 were present.
- First LookWhat role is Iran playing in the Mosul offensive?
Iranian-backed militias have entered the fight to retake Mosul from ISIS. Has the Iraqi military learned any lessons from previous battles with ISIS?
- Reclaiming Mosul: concerns run high about the politics of the 'day after'
As Iraqi forces move to retake the city from ISIS, analysts warn that – in contrast to military lessons learned – the Shiite ruling elite is not doing enough to include a disenfranchised Sunni minority, whose anger helped feed the growth of ISIS.
- UN: Syria school attack may be potential war crime
U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said that the attack, carried out against rebel-held territory, may amount to a war crime if found to be deliberate.
- How Lebanon ended lengthy power vacuum and elected Michel Aoun
Political wrangling left Lebanon without a president for 2-1/2 years, until Monday's vote. Mr. Aoun is a former Army commander and a leading ally of the Iran-backed Hezbollah party.
- First LookBattle for Mosul: UN, aid organizations brace for humanitarian challenge
The UN's refugee agency says it will soon have enough shelters for 150,000 people fleeing Mosul, as Iraqi and Kurdish forces battle to retake the city from the Islamic State.
- US service member killed by roadside bomb in northern Iraq
U.S. officials said the American was fatally wounded as he was operating as an explosive ordnance disposal specialist in support of Kurdish Peshmerga fighters.
- First LookTurkey strikes US-backed Kurdish militias battling ISIS in northern Syria
The air strikes underscore deep tension between Turkey and the United States, which are NATO allies, united in their opposition to the so-called Islamic State but divided on the Kurds.
- First LookSaudi prince executed for murder. Justice or just more bloodshed?
Some see the death sentence as proof that Saudi Arabian law applies to everyone, but the news comes as human rights groups have condemned a surge in executions.
- Russia, Syria halt Aleppo airstrikes for 'humanitarian pause'
Moscow on Monday announced a halt in airstrikes between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Thursday to allow civilians and militants safe passage out of the city.
- Iraq launches Mosul offensive to drive out Islamic State
The Pentagon said that Iraqi forces were meeting objectives and were ahead of schedule on the first day of the offensive.
- In battle to retake Mosul, Iraq launches biggest Islamic State offensive yet
Some Iraqi officials worry that the Mosul fight has been rushed and if the city is retaken without a plan to broker a peace, it could lead to more violence.
- As battle for Mosul begins, aid workers gird for humanitarian challenge
Artillery fire and coalition aircraft pounded ISIS positions in the Iraqi city Sunday night into Monday. Humanitarian workers are prepping for scenarios as varied as thousands being trapped as human shields to a mass exodus.
- First LookBattle begins to retake Mosul from ISIS
Captured in 2014, Mosul is the largest city held by the Islamic State, also known as ISIS. A coalition of various factions launched an invasion to retake the city early Monday.
- ISIS suffers major symbolic defeat with loss of Dabiq
The Islamic State has lost the Syrian city of Dabiq, a central part of its claim to be the bringers of an apocalyptic battle with the West.
- Officials say US missiles destroy radar sites on Yemen coast
The strikes marked the first U.S. strikes targeting the Houthis in Yemen's long-running civil war.
- Between US and Saudi Arabia, a growing clash of values
US claims that Saudi Arabia is not doing enough to combat terror have left the kingdom exasperated – and seeking new allies.
- A Syrian doctor's work amid Aleppo's humanitarian crisis: interview
Syria's second city of Aleppo is under siege, with Russian and Syrian airpower pounding myriad targets, including hospitals. Dr. Zaher Sahloul of ARCS, last in Aleppo in July, shared his experience with the Monitor.