Feature ISIS brides face uncertain future as Damascus clashes with Syria’s Kurds With Syrian government forces taking over nearby al-Hol and security breaking down, families of ISIS fighters at Roj Camp live in fear and uncertainty. By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Analysis Can newly unified Arab Israeli bloc bridge gaps to block Netanyahu next election? The move signals to their constituents that the four leaders can set aside differences to try to strengthen Arab representation in the Knesset. By Mazal Mualem In Tel Aviv, reporting on politics
What Israel stands to lose in Syria-SDF agreement The agreement signed Jan. 18 for the integration of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces into the Syrian state will bolster not only Turkey, Israel’s foe, but also President Ahmed al-Sharaa while he negotiates a security deal with Israel. Israel
Syria’s Kurds accept sweetened ceasefire deal as US envoy Barrack declares SDF obsolete The ceasefire follows intense clashes and a rapid Syrian military advance in the Kurdish-held northeast, amid concerns over ISIS prisoners. Syria
US military negotiates handover of Syria's ISIS prisons as Kurds withdraw By Jared Szuba In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military
Analysis Why Iran regime’s potential collapse spells more risk than benefit for Turkey By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Analysis Hezbollah still dominant among Lebanon's Shiite, but ground is shifting By Karim Safieddine , Izzat Zahreddine
Bennett in bind over prayer space by Western Wall Prime Minister Naftali Bennett knows that in the current political constellation, he has little choice but to advance the outline for a Jewish prayer space by the Western Wall. Israel
Israel agrees to allow entry of 5,000 Ethiopians with links to Judaism Israel's National Security Council had initially opposed the proposal to bring in more Falash Mura. Israel
Mixed feelings in Israel over first Druze city Residents of Maghar would have preferred Interior Minister Ayelet Shaked to announce it as a new Arab city, and not as the first Druze city in Israel. Israel
Egypt churches play matchmaker as Christians' marriages decline Egypt's churches are trying to help their unmarried male and female members tie the knot, but the move is making some people angry. Egypt
Egypt celebrates Prophet's birthday with Sufi music stars Egypt held the first Mawlid festival with Sufi chanting performances to highlight the main core of Sufism, which is combining all religions and urges people to accept each other, whatever their religion is. Culture
Children's books share Sudan's endangered Nobiin with new readers Three Nubian-Sudanese writers have published children's books written in the Nobiin language and using the Old Nubian script. Culture
Israeli minister promotes controversial reform on conversion into Judaism Minister of Religious Affairs Matan Kahana is determined to break the monopoly of ultra-Orthodox Chief Rabbinate over conversions into Judaism. Israel
Egypt strengthens influence in Africa through church The Egyptian government is working through the Egyptian Orthodox Church in Africa, especially in the Nile Basin countries, as part of a soft power strategy to boost its influence in light of the crisis over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam. Egypt
Three Israeli ministers visit Emirates on sidelines of Dubai expo Three Israeli ministers are using the opportunity of the 2020 Dubai Expo to visit the country and meet with their Emirati counterparts. Israel
Jewish Israelis flock to Temple Mount in greater numbers Despite warnings from some rabbis that visits are forbidden, more Jewish Israelis are ascending the Temple Mount than ever. Israel
Sisi statements spark debate about status for Egyptian atheists The Egyptian president's remarks on human rights have drawn attention to freedom of belief for the nonreligious. Egypt
LISTEN: Assyrian Church of the East elects new patriarch The new leader of the historic church must now navigate the unique political and spiritual challenges facing his shrinking community in Iraq and its worldwide diaspora. Iraq
