Syrian forces dismantle ISIS cell near Turkish border: What to know Syria says it has thwarted a number of ISIS plots in 2025 as the group seeks to exploit sectarian tensions in the country. Syria
Syria thwarts church attack in Tartous, blames Assad 'remnants': What to know Syrian officials blamed the attack on a group affiliated with the government of former President Bashar al-Assad. Syria
Analysis Emboldened by Suwayda fallout, Syria’s Kurds hold their ground with Damascus The Suwayda crisis boosts Kurdish confidence and threatens Erdogan’s bid to secure Kurdish support for a third term. By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
2 Iranian border guards killed in Kurdistan province: What to know Iraq agreed to move Iranian Kurdish groups farther from the border in 2023, but some clashes have occurred since then. Iran
Analysis Will Israel's airstrikes in Druze city derail Syria normalization talks? By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
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
Ukrainian efforts to stir Circassians against Russia divide diaspora in Turkey A heated debate has erupted in the Circassian diaspora over calls to establish a Circassian battalion against Russia in Ukraine. Turkey
Israeli mayors stand against anti-gay legislator on education Mayors of liberal cities in Israel have joied the protest of outgoing Prime Minister Yair Lapid against anti-LGBTQ Knesset member Avi Maoz controlling the unit that decides on external education programs. Israel
New York ultra-Orthodox welcome ostracized Israeli rabbi Disgraced Rabbi Shaul Alter is banished from his Gur community in Israel, but he found a very warm welcome on a trip to the United States. Israel
Israel’s most religious, furthest right Knesset sworn in The 25th Knesset includes more far-right legislators, more ultra-Orthodox, fewer women, fewer Arabs and no Druze representatives at all. Israel
Turkish government criticized for creating new Alevi cultural agency Many Alevi associations have objected to the agency's placement with the Culture Ministry, which they say demonstrates the government’s refusal to recognize Alevis as a religious community. Turkey
Lebanon begins vaccination campaign as cholera cases soar The crisis-hit country’s collapsing water and sewage infrastructure has opened a breeding ground for waterborne illness. Lebanon
Netanyahu’s new coalition makes Israeli LGBTQ community anxious Leaders of the LGBTQ communities are afraid that the religious partners of Prime Minister-to-be Benjamin Netanyahu will curtail the rights achieved after long battles and campaigns. Israel
Israel, Jordan to restore Jordan River Israel and Jordan are creating a plan to rehabilitate and protect the Jordan River, making it a year-round water source with a healthy ecosystem. Israel
Iran maintains silence on 'massacre' in Sunni-majority city Iranian authorities were accused of covering up the killing of over 90 Balouch minority civilians in what activists are mourning as "the bloody Friday." Iran
Ultra-Orthodox campaigning goes digital as Israeli election nears In a dramatic shift from past elections, ultra-Orthodox parties have gone digital to keep up with their own constituencies. Israel
Erdogan’s pre-election gesture to Alevis met with suspicion Many leaders of Turkey’s Alevi community question the motives behind Erdogan’s plan to create a public authority in charge of Alevi houses of worship. Turkey
