All Middle East
- Deal agreed to end long siege of Damascus suburb - rebel leader, locals
Rebels and Syria's army agreed a deal on Thursday to evacuate all residents and insurgents from the besieged Damascus suburb of Daraya.
- Iranian vessels 'harassed' US destroyer, Pentagon says
The American destroyer USS Nitze was intercepted by four Iranian vessels after multiple warnings. The incident is just one of many antagonistic incidents between Iran and the United States despite last year's nuclear accords.
- In Turkey's cross-border operation into Syria, a dual purpose
Turkish officials vow to 'cleanse' the so-called Islamic State from its northern Syrian border stronghold, but analysts say more is at stake.
- Why peace is prevailing, for now, in south Lebanon
Ten years after the last war between Israel and Hezbollah, UN peacekeepers say the long-violent border region stands in stark contrast to much of the Middle East.
- Anti-Americanism surges in Turkey, fueled by politicians and zealous press
US Vice President Joe Biden will visit Turkey Wednesday to try to reassure President Erdoğan they still stand together against terrorism – and the coup attempt in July, about which conspiracy theories abound.
- First LookIs ISIS turning to more child bombers?
While children as suicide bombers could be a desperate tactic, it can also be a form of psychological warfare.
- Turkish military returns fire in Syria after shells hit border town -NTV
The military fired 40 shells at four Islamic State targets in Syria.
- Iran: Russia has stopped using Iran base for Syria strikes
Moscow confirmed that all Russian warplanes that were based in Iran have returned to Russia.
- First LookPoll: Majority of Israelis, Palestinians want peaceful solution
A new poll reveals that, despite years of conflict, a slim majority of Israelis and Palestinians favor a peace settlement and a two-state solution.
- Russia ceases using airbase in Iran for Syria strikes 'for now'
Iran says that Russia is no longer using the Nojeh airbase for strikes in Syria, after the deployment was criticized by the White House and some Iranian lawmakers.
- After a wedding bombing in Turkey, Erdogan calls for national unity
A young Islamic State suicide bomber killed at least 51 people at a wedding party in southeast Turkey Sunday.
- U.S. says payment to Iran used as leverage for prisoners' release
The U.S. State Department said it released cash to Iran only once it was assured that American prisoners had been freed.
- Behind Russia-Iran cooperation over Syria, a larger goal
Russia's use of a base inside Iran to launch strikes in Syria marks unprecedented cooperation between the Islamic Republic and a foreign power.
- First LookWhy Turkey's post-coup crackdown is good news for some prisoners
In an apparent effort to make room for thousands of detainees apprehended in the wake of a July coup attempt, Turkey will release 38,000 prisoners.
- How off-the-shelf drones are changing war in Syria and Lebanon
Recent video showed a Hezbollah attack carried out in Syria by an armed, publicly available drone. It underscored the need for fresh understanding of the threats posed by nonstate actors and terrorists.
- Russia steps up role in Middle East, launches attack on Syria from Iran
For the first time, Rusian bombers launched an attack on Syrian militants from a base in Iran.
- First LookHezbollah's leader backs Donald Trump on Obama 'founding ISIS'
The Hezbollah leader quoted Donald Trump at a rally in Lebanon on Saturday, saying that the presidential candidate's assertions that the Obama administration founded the Islamic State are 'based on facts and documents.'
- A window into Gaza's future – through summer camps
The many options – from Hamas's Pioneers of Liberation military camp to expensive, globally minded programs – reflect a diverse spectrum of worldviews.
- First LookWhy did Iran put nuclear scientist Shahram Amiri to death?
Iranian officials say the nuclear scientist, who claimed he was abducted by the CIA while on pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia, was convicted of spying. The trial was conducted in secret.
- First LookCould John Kerry’s post-coup trip to Turkey soothe ties?
Secretary Kerry's visit scheduled for later this month will be the first US official visit since Turkey's unsuccessful coup in July.