All Middle East
- 6,000 detained during Turkish authorities' 'cleansing' after failed coup
The government accelerated its crackdown on alleged plotters against President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, reawakening concerns about the future of democracy under his administration.
- In Israel, a bid to make Arabic more of a language in common
Most Jewish Israelis say it's important to learn Arabic, but only 1 in 10 can speak it. Now a series of YouTube language instruction videos is gaining steam, and praise.
- Attempted coup: On Istanbul's streets, a bid to parse exactly what happened
Many are asking what it means for the future of a country already on uneasy ground following a recent string of terrorist attacks and political shake-ups.
- President Erdogan returns to Istanbul after Turkey military coup attempt
President Erdogan was on a seaside vacation when tanks rolled into the streets of Ankara and Istanbul. He flew home early Saturday and declared the coup to have failed.
- ISIS in Fallujah: understanding its rise and fall
IS won over some Fallujah residents with promises of Sunni empowerment and improved services. But as funds dried up and brutality increased, so did defiance.
- Year after nuclear deal, Iran’s high expectations not met
To sell Iranians on the nuclear deal, President Rouhani promised a new era. But the consensus is it has yet to materialize, and many blame the US.
- FocusHezbollah-Israel conflict: Two young fighters assess it from opposite sides
Their worldviews, formed less than 200 miles apart, illustrate the clashing religious beliefs, ideologies, and military doctrines that led to war 10 years ago Tuesday – and may well again.
- Saying sorry: What's behind Turkey's new thaw with Russia
In a shift, Prime Minister Erdoğan has expressed regret for shooting down a Russian fighter last year. What's less clear is whether his move signals a long-term shift in regional alliances.
- Eid marks start of 3-day Syrian truce, first for entire country
The Syrian military declared a unilateral, three-day cease-fire for the entire country on Wednesday, although reports of violence continued.
- In Ramadan attacks, ISIS reveals its top target: other Muslims
ISIS has gained attention for its anti-Western violence. But recent attacks show that it sees other Muslim groups as a greater threat.
- Why ISIS is 'lashing out,' from Baghdad to Bangladesh
Just days after the Iraqi government declared it had ousted ISIS from Fallujah, the militant group unleashed the deadliest bombing Baghdad has seen since 2006.
- Suicide bombers strike three cities in Saudi Arabia
In the only one of the three attacks that appeared to have caused many casualties, a suicide bomber detonated a bomb near the security headquarters of the Prophet's Mosque in Medina, the second-holiest site in Islam.
- Armed with Romeo and red carpets, Gaza Palestinians try to live a little
Despite the devastation of war and poverty, there are a record number of cultural events. But Palestinians say Hamas makes it hard to enjoy themselves.
- Elie Wiesel, Nobel Peace Prize winner and Holocaust victims advocate
In awarding the 1986 Peace Prize, Elie Wiesel, was called a "messenger to mankind" and "one of the most important spiritual leaders and guides in an age when violence, repression and racism continue to characterize the world."
- Israeli airstrikes on Hamas after rocket hits empty Sderot kindergarten
No injuries were reported on either side. The exchange comes amid an escalation of violence in the West Bank following a pair of fatal attacks against Jewish settlers that has sparked Israel's largest military surge in two years.
- A uniquely Syrian Ramadan returns – in Jordan
Upheaval and sorrow have tempered Ramadan celebrations for Syrian refugees in Jordan in recent years. But many are no longer waiting to get on with their lives – or to enjoy them.
- Lebanon's tough options as backlash against Syrian refugees grows
A wave of suicide attacks in northeast Lebanon has prompted calls for action. But many worry the wrong approach toward the country's large refugee population could spur radicalization.
- Why Istanbul residents blame Erdogan, not ISIS, for instability
Istanbul's Ataturk airport reopened within five hours of Tuesday's attack, in contrast to the 12 days it took Brussels to resume operations. But many Turks are struggling with a spike in attacks.
- Turkey reveals nationalities of airport bombers: Russian, Uzbek, Kyrgyz
Police raids across Istanbul round up suspects thought to have links to the Islamic State in the aftermath of the terrorist attack at the Ataturk Airport, which killed 43 and wounded more than 230 others.
- Istanbul attack aims to counter narrative that ISIS is 'losing'
Yesterday's attack on Europe's third-largest airport is likely to push President Erdogan to make the fight against ISIS his top priority. Thus far he has prioritized the battle against Syria's Assad.