All Middle East
- Syria cease-fire: What happened on Day One
A US and Russian-brokered cease-fire brought calm to some parts of Syria for the first time in years on Saturday. But the Islamic State launched several attacks.
- Egypt's other uprising: Start-up companies are flourishing
Despite a struggling economy and political repression, some Egyptians find that creating a business is a way to work toward a positive future.
- Voting extended as Iranians crowd polling stations in crucial election
Iranians are electing a new parliament and a clerical body that could pick the country's next supreme leader. On the streets of Tehran, anticipation mixes with skepticism.
- Iran election: Why youth are voting despite muted expectations of change
The much-sought-after constituency in Friday's elections sees little chance of dislodging hard-liners, but say President Rouhani has made their lives better.
- Will lifting of nuclear sanctions on Iran help cash-strapped Hezbollah?
Any Iranian relief for Hezbollah will only partly address its client's needs. The militia's support for Syria's Assad is costly, and the US is trying to clamp down on its finances.
- On Gaza's border, potato farmers hope to lay groundwork for peace
Even as tensions rise along the Gaza-Israel frontier, potato farmers from both sides are discussing ways to bolster the Palestinians' vital agriculture sector.
- While questions remain, US and Russia agree on Syria cease-fire plan
The truce will not cover the Islamic State group, the Al Qaeda-linked Nusra Front, and any other militias designated as terrorist organizations by the UN Security Council.
- Kerry says Syria ceasefire imminent as car bombs explode in Homs
Both sides in Syria's civil war are closer to a ceasefire than ever before, US Secretary of State John Kerry said Sunday. His remarks came amid an attack that killed dozens in Homs.
- FocusPalestinian developer builds city of dreams, but will they come?
Hailed as a building block of a future state, a brand new West Bank city is struggling to persuade Palestinians to move out of their traditional communities.
- Egypt author jailed for violating 'public modesty'
Egyptian author Ahmed Naji was sentenced to two years in jail on Saturday by a Cairo appeals court after a private citizen complained that an except of Naji's novel caused him to become severely ill.
- Egypt: Why blasphemy cases are rising under President Sisi
Egypt's ex-military president, who unseated the Muslim Brotherhood, is criticized for curbing rights and freedoms. But criminalizing blasphemy is popular.
- Turkey blames Kurdish rebels, Syria for deadly bombing
The attack came as Turkey had been pressing the US to cut off support to the Kurdish Syrian militias, which Turkey regards as terrorists because of their affiliation with the PKK.
- At least 28 killed as Turkish military buses attacked in car bombing, official says
A senior Turkish security source said initial signs indicated that Kurdish militants from the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) were responsible.
- Islamic State: Why ethnic reconciliation is a tough sell in northern Iraq
Jihadists are on the defensive in battleground states in Iraq, but the mistrust and fear engendered by their murderous campaign present a tough challenge to future cohabitation.
- Reformist view of Iran's Rouhani: 'Yes he can' becomes 'No, he didn't'
Hossein Dehbashi once worked to get Hassan Rouhani elected president of Iran. Now, he says, he and other supporters of reforms feel taken for granted.
- FocusGen. Soleimani: A new brand of Iranian hero for nationalist times
Not a Shiite religious figure and not a martyr, Qassem Soleimani, the living commander of Iran's elite Qods Force, has been elevated to hero status.
- FocusTo enlist Iran's youth, Islamic Republic adds a nationalist pitch
Glorified religious sacrifice, a staple of the regime's efforts to secure its citizens' support, is giving way to an updated appeal to Iran's youth.
- Diplomats aim for temporary Syria truce in a week
John Kerry hailed the results but noted they were "commitments on paper." It was not clear if deep and festering differences between the US and Russia on these issues could be overcome.
- Syrian war: It took time, but Russia was game-changer for Assad
Thousands of rebel fighters are on the verge of being surrounded by pro-regime forces in Aleppo, Syria's largest city. For that, Assad can thank Russia's intervention.
- Under Russian fire, Syrian rebels blame West for abandoning their fight
Amid a Russian-backed regime offensive in Aleppo, rebel factions in Syria say they face defeat without imminent military aid from the US, Turkey, and other allies.