All Middle East
- Iran releases Canadian-Iranian professor held since June
Homa Hoodfar was released from prison on "humanitarian grounds" and flown out of Iran on Monday.
- Writer’s killing upsets Jordan's delicate balance between religion, free speech
Prosecuting individuals for insulting religion puts Jordan in a tough spot between a largely conservative society demanding justice and the nation's international commitments to human rights.
- As Syria cease-fire fades, battle for Aleppo reignites
Residents say air strikes on eastern Aleppo have been more intense than ever, using more powerful bombs. President Assad and his allies seem more determined than ever to crush the nearly six-year-old rebellion by force.
- Remarkably unremarkable: Rouhani's UN visit sign of new US-Iran normal?
What stood out about the Iranian president's visit to New York was how much less strident US-Iran relations have become.
- If Syria cease-fire is officially abandoned, what can be done next?
For the US, how to deal with Assad without striking the Russians is a key issue – as is dealing with Syria's neighbors to consolidate spheres of influence.
- Can Iran hard-liners make Rouhani a one-term president?
Rouhani’s opponents – who see him as a threat to many of their interests – are targeting a struggling economy and the nuclear deal in bid to unseat him in 2017.