Iraq begins exhuming ISIS mass grave at Al-Khasfa thought to hold 3,000+ victims In 2024, Human Rights Watch said that hundreds of thousands of victims remain buried in mass graves across Iraq, including those killed under former President Saddam Hussein. Iraq
UN: Syria's March violence saw ‘likely’ war crimes by Damascus, Assad remnants The United Nations noted deliberate targeting of Alawite civilians in its report on the killings along the Syrian coast and called on the government to expand its efforts in taking steps toward accountability. Syria
Iran border clash kills 3 militants, police officer in Baluchistan: What to know Iranian forces have prioritized targeting Jaish al-Adl and other groups in the southeast, and are seeking cooperation with Pakistan on the issue. Iran
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
Analysis Emboldened by Suwayda fallout, Syria’s Kurds hold their ground with Damascus By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Egyptians feel demoralized by empty churches, mosques The decision to suspend collective prayers in mosques and churches was criticized by some Egyptians who feel deprived of spiritual support during hard times. Egypt
After Gantz, will Israeli Arabs ever return to the ballot box? Blue and White leader Benny Gantz forming a unity government with Benjamin Netanyahu has deflated the hopes of Arab Israelis of participating in national politics as equals, raising doubts that they will follow the urging of their representatives to take part in future elections. Israel
Turkish soccer team lands in political hot water The soccer team of Turkey’s largest Kurdish-majority city has become the target of nationalist animosity from rival fans as well as the government, which accuses the club of being linked to armed Kurdish militants. Turkey
Ultra-Orthodox leaders ignore coronavirus threat, endanger Israelis Ultra-Orthodox educational institutions continued to operate despite orders by the government to close all schools to try to control the spread of the novel coronavirus. Israel
Palestinians' electoral success in Israel can't be denied Palestinian citizens of Israel made a huge accomplishment in the latest Israel elections by winning an unprecedented 15 seats. Israel
Does Jewish-Arab partnership to form government stand a chance in Israel? The Likud is continuing its campaign of incitement against Arab party representatives to head off their helping form a minority government led by Blue and White. Israel
Will Israeli Arabs facilitate the ‘Netanyahu-removal government’? Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appears to believe that it is not a problem for Arab citizens to vote as long as they cast their ballots for the Likud, otherwise they should not have a voice in their governance. Israel
Egypt's Coptic philanthropist nominated for Nobel Prize Visits to the garbage slums of Cairo transformed Magda Gobran — a businesswoman and an academic with a comfortable life — to Mama Maggie of the poor. Egypt
Egypt bans Shiite websites to deter extremist ideologies An Egyptian court has banned Shiite websites and TV channels, under the pretext that they threaten national security, stirring controversy among Shiites in Egypt. Egypt
Meet the artist haunted by violent moments in Turkey, Lebanon Turkey's veteran artist Hale Tenger tackles coups, destruction and political assassinations in the Middle East, using marriage of poetry and images. Lebanon
Libyan Jews' potential return sends out political shockwaves Some members of the Libyan parliament and public vocally oppose the idea of Jews returning or participating in the country's peace process. Libya
Israel’s Gantz dismisses the Joint List, shooting self in foot, again Blue and White head Benny Gantz has fallen into a trap set by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu by publicly rejecting the Arab Joint List. Palestine
