Trump travel ban 2.0: Assessing the impact on Mideast nations Trump’s new decision excludes Syria and Iraq, both of which were part of his previous ban issued during his first term in 2017. Syria
EU sanctions Sunni factions accused of violence against Syria’s Alawites, Kurds As former rebel leaders take positions in the new Syrian government, Kurdish officials warn of renewed threats to their autonomy. Syria
Rise in antisemitism in US, Europe preceded Washington shooting: What to know In the United States, Europe, Canada and Australia, the number and severity of antisemitic incidents continue to rise. Israel
Iranian, Saudi officials in India as more airlines halt service amid Pakistan row Iranian and Saudi officials headed to New Delhi in separate visits following Indian airstrikes in Pakistan that raised fears of war between the neighboring countries. Iran
Pope Francis, voice for Middle East peace and first to visit Gulf, dies at 88 By Rosaleen Carroll In Washington, DC, US, reporting on the Middle East
Sub-Saharans in Tunisia fear for their lives following Saied's racist comments A wave of violent racist attacks on sub-Saharan people living in Tunisia has spread across the country since President Kais Saied declared his belief in a conspiracy to change the demographic of Tunisia. North Africa
Handmaid's Tale inspires Israeli women battling religious coercion Hundreds of women clad in red cloaks and sporting white bonnets have been appearing in the past few weeks in several of the anti-judicial overhaul, pro-democracy demonstrations across the country. Israel
Analysis Israel’s ultra-Orthodox seek to prohibit Passover non-Kosher food in hospitals Back in the coalition and in greater force, ultra-Orthodox parliamentarians exploit their political clout to advance religious legislation. By Mazal Mualem In Tel Aviv, reporting on politics
Explainer: Egypt cancels Kevin Hart’s show after ‘Black Egyptians’ reference Hart was criticized on Egyptian social media for comments he allegedly made asserting that ancient Egyptians were black. Egypt
Analysis Can Israel's ultra-Orthodox punish women for 'immodest dress code' at Western Wall? Though Israel's Shas party has been forced to back away from its proposed dress code for the Western Wall, many Israelis are still outraged by the audacious proposition. By Mazal Mualem In Tel Aviv, reporting on politics
Church blaze kills two in Turkey's Istanbul A blaze at an Istanbul church left two dead and two others injured, heavily damaging the historical building. Turkey
Afghanistan's Hazara minority increasingly fearful under Taliban Al-Monitor spoke to members of the long-persecuted Hazara Shiite minority group in Afghanistan as restrictions on women increase and verifiable information becomes scarcer. By Shelly Kittleson In Baghdad, reporting on Iraqi politics
Turkey spars with China over Uyghurs, but is it real? Turkey’s opposition and some Uyghur activists remain doubtful on how committed Ankara is to defending the rights of the Uyghurs despite its recent spat with Beijing. Turkey
Outrage at desecration of historic Protestant Cemetery in Jerusalem Police investigates the desecration of at least 30 tombstones by two Jewish-looking individuals at the 19th century Protestant Cemetery in Jerusalem. Israel
Israeli Circassian village lands among UN's top tourism picks Israel's Circassian village of Kfar Kama is featured in this year's "Best Tourism Villages," a project of the UN World Tourism Organizaiton. Israel
Egypt's few remaining Jews celebrate Hanukkah Hanukkah was celebrated amid tight security in Cairo's Meyr Biton Synagogue. Yet Magda Haroun, head of Egypt's tiny Jewish community, looks forward to the day when all of Egypt's synagogues will be open for prayer and celebrations. Egypt
Israel's Jews flock to Arab towns for Christmas Many Arab towns and villages, not necessarily Christian, are now featuring Christmas markets, targeting also Israeli Jewish tourists. Israel
