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
Without conscription, will Israel's Arab citizens ever obtain equal rights? The relative contribution of Arab Israelis to the shaping of Israeli culture, economy and science is more significant than that of their Druze neighbors, yet Israeli Jewish society refuses to acknowledge it. Palestine
Israel’s Bedouin sidelined as Netanyahu makes deal with Druze The Bedouin community is bitter over the offer outlined by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to assuage the Druze community's concerns about the controversial new Nationality Law. Israel
Druze anger rising over Israel’s Nationality Law Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu did not foresee the degree of anger the Nationality Law would generate among the Druze, with protests spreading quickly, including to the military. Israel
Nationality law makes Israel's Druze second-class citizens The Druze community in Israel has condemned the Jewish Nationality Law, which effectively demotes them to second-class citizens despite their military and other service to Israel. Israel
Turkmens see chance to expand influence in Kirkuk With Kurdish peshmerga gone, and Kirkuk back under Baghdad's authority, Turkmens in the province feel their time might have arrived. Turkey
How a tea kettle came to symbolize Turkish election opposition The Pro-Kurdish Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) and their imprisoned leader and candidate, Selahattin Demirtas, are running a positive and creative election campaign, rattling the nerves of an increasingly anxious Justice and Development Party and government. Turkey
Kurdish singer aspires to run for Turkish parliament on AKP ticket Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan surrounds himself with celebrities such as legendary Kurdish Arab singer Ibrahim Tatlises as a means of boosting support. Turkey
Ankara backtracks on freedom to commemorate Armenian murders The 2018 commemoration of the Armenian massacres was memorable for the ban on using the word "genocide" and a big drop in attendance. Turkey
The topsy-turvy world of Jewish-Arab relations Despite evidence of a serious deterioration in relations between Jews and Arabs in Israel, one researcher contends that Israeli Arabs continue to show a strong link to a Jewish and democratic Israel. Palestine
Amazigh awakening: Libya’s largest minority wants recognition Amazigh leaders are threatening to boycott parliamentary elections and a constitutional referendum if their rights and culture are not officially recognized. Libya
School finally back in session for Iraqi Dom village After its school was destroyed more than 13 years ago, education is returning to a small Dom village in southern Iraq. Iraq
Aspiring Coptic soccer players finally make it to playing field In Egypt, where Copts who apply for soccer clubs get the standard reply “We’ll call you,” Je Suis Academy offers them a chance to train and overcome prejudices. Egypt
