In photos: Muslims kick off Eid al-Adha across the Middle East The holiday’s arrival cast a spotlight on deepening humanitarian crises, leadership transitions and shifting regional dynamics. Saudi Arabia
Egypt, Greece pledge to protect Mount Sinai monastery after court ruling: What to know Greece and Egypt have launched a diplomatic effort to reaffirm the status of Saint Catherine’s Monastery, one of the most revered monasteries in Christianity. Egypt
Saudi Arabia releases Iranian cleric who criticized Hajj: What to know Iran-Saudi Arabia relations have improved in recent years, including in Hajj-related cooperation, though tensions remain over Iran’s regional policies. Saudi Arabia
Pope Francis, voice for Middle East peace and first to visit Gulf, dies at 88 Pope Francis died on Monday after serving as pontiff for 11 years, advocating for human rights and inclusion in the Middle East and beyond. By Rosaleen Carroll In Washington, DC, US, reporting on the Middle East
Muslims across Middle East welcome Ramadan despite war, inflation By Rosaleen Carroll In Washington, DC, US, reporting on the Middle East
Iraq’s 'Tree of Knowledge' draws visitors across faiths Visitors flock to visit Adam's Tree, which they believe was planted by the Prophet Abraham and is sacred, in southern Iraq. Iraq
Egyptians worry Renaissance Dam poses risk for heritage sites along Nile A study by an Egyptian professor reports that Ethiopia’s new dam puts heritage sites at risk — and not only those in Egypt. Egypt
Egypt's camel bone sculptors gather to sustain ancient art The historic Egyptian art of camel bone sculpture is threatened in modern Egypt, where the carvers are fast disappearing. Egypt
Mummy mystery grips Iran The discovery of a mummy rumored to be the former shah of Iran has stirred fascination and controversy. Iran
Has Egypt's Nobel laureate lost his appeal among country's youth? Naguib Mahfouz's books have sold less than 1 million copies over the last 12 years. Are Egyptian youth indifferent to the country's Nobel laureate or can they simply not find a copy to buy? Egypt
Iraqi musicians fight to revive ancient art of maqam A handful of enthusiasts are trying to save Iraq's age-old melodic system known as maqam, which was placed on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2008. Iraq
Egyptian women replace smoking with qatrouna In Upper Egypt, while men come together for shisha, women relax by chewing a mix of tobacco and tar — yet health professionals warn of the many dangers. Egypt
Excavations start on Palestine’s oldest monastery St. Hilarion Monastery, named after the first monk in Palestine, gets international funding for a project that would enable its restoration in a two-year-long project. Palestine
Russia resumes flights to Egypt Russia resumed flights to Egypt today after two years of suspension in a move expected to give a massive boost to tourism. Egypt
Palestinian sisters dig into history of last all-Christian village Two sisters researched the history of Taybeh, where they grew up, and have published an encyclopedia on the only all-Christian village in Palestine. Palestine
Iraqi boat-makers struggle to keep their trade afloat The ancient craft of building boats, which is one of Iraq's oldest heritage industries, is disappearing, with only a few dozen workshops left in the country. Iraq
Iran’s supreme leader: I'm not in favor of polygamy Iran’s supreme leader is reported to not be in favor of polygamy, denying a fatwa attributed to him about the matter. Iran
