All Middle East
- Killing of Palestinian attacker lays bare Israeli rift over army code of conduct
Military leaders condemned the shooting of a Palestinian assailant who lay wounded on the ground, but in a recent poll, a majority of Israelis said the soldier should be freed.
- Saudis await prince's vision of future with hope and concern
A new 15-year-plan from Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, to be announced Monday, is expected to aim to liberate the country from its historic dependence on oil, but after decades of failed reform efforts, the public have concerns.
- In southern Lebanon, theater program seeks to build a cultural life
Actor and theater manager Kassem Istanbouli is seeking to encourage an interest in the arts among the youth of Tyre, who have few options for creative outlet.
- Syrian refugees stuck in Istanbul face relentless test of urban survival
For Syrians whose path to Europe has been blocked, survival in Turkey's largest city means a constant search for food, shelter, and people to help them.
- Turkey-EU refugee deal: New arrivals fall as ethical concerns rise
Despite a Turkey-EU vow that the deal now being implemented would be conducted in “full accordance” with international law, rights advocates say refugees' varying circumstances are not taken into account.
- Despite deep divides over Syria, Turkey rolls out the welcome mat for Iran
Turkey and Iran are engineering a partial rapprochement after an extended period of heated disputes. Turkey is hosting the Organization of Islamic Cooperation this week.
- FocusIsraeli kibbutz tries a new crop: high-tech startups
Once a bold experiment in communal living, Israel's kibbutzim have been in decline. Now some hope the farming collectives can provide fertile ground for the startup culture.
- John Kerry says Iran is pulling troops out of Syria. Is it?
The Obama administration says that Iran is drawing down its elite fighting force from Syria. But Iran says it isn't.
- Syrian forces seize Islamic State-held town near Palmyra
Supported by more than 40 Russian air strikes, Syrian forces said the strategic victory helps secure oil and gas routes while disrupting Islamic State supply routes within Syria.
- Azerbaijan: Unilateral cease-fire against Nagorno-Karabakh
Rebel forces have disputed reports of a cease fire, after a weekend of attacks that killed 30 troops on both sides. The violence was the worst in the conflict since 1994.
- In Washington, Turkey's president is angling for a close-up
President Erdoğan is leaving his troubles behind for a few days to attend a security summit in Washington. Being seen with Obama tops his to-do list.
- Egyptian hijacker arrested after standoff in Cyprus
An Egyptian man, who claimed to have a bomb, hijacked an EgyptAir plane flight traveling from Alexandria to Cairo, and diverted it to Cyprus. He's been arrested.
- The Israeli model: What airport safety looks like, and what it costs travelers
Security measures at Israel's main airport, one of the world's safest, are vastly different from those in Brussels. But there is a tradeoff.
- Israel decries resolution by UN rights council
The resolution calls for the establishment of a database of businesses "involved in activities" in the occupied West Bank.
- Islamic State: How Iraqi widow's resistance became a symbol of hope
The self-sacrifice of Um Qusay, a widow whose Sunni tribespeople sheltered hundreds of mostly Shiite soldiers in 2014 from IS fighters, has won national acclaim. But the fight is far from over.
- Istanbul bomber identified as militant with links to IS
Turkey has endured six suicide bombings in less than a year, damaging its tourism industry, but the country's interior minister said the country will continue its fight against terror groups.
- Suicide bomb attack in Istanbul kills 5, wounds dozens
A suicide bomb attack on Istanbul's main pedestrian shopping street killed five people Saturday and wounded 36 others. Turkey is already on edge after two recent car bombs in its capital, Ankara.
- Getting out of ISIS: American man among the few to escape
An American man has recounted how he joined ISIS and then escaped after becoming disillusioned. Stories like his are becoming more common.
- After Putin's surprise pullout, ball suddenly back in Syria's court
Analysts say the Russian withdrawal appears intended in part to pressure Syrian President Assad into negotiating seriously in Geneva and offering concessions.
- FocusAround world, doubts whether Trump could 'make America great again'
The increasing possibility of a Trump presidency is feeding nations’ worries about everything from the continuation of their trade deals to military ties with the US.