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
Syrian Kurds press on with elections despite divisions Kurds supporting self-rule in Syria have two elections down and one to go in their march toward a federalist government, although not everyone in the territory is on board. Syria
Sudan-born model exposes blight of racism in Egypt Sudan-born model Fatima Ali began speaking out four years ago against the daily racism she faces in Egypt and is compiling her writing on the subject into a book. Egypt
Lively parties bring West Africa to Beirut club scene In Lebanon, where West African culture is mostly associated with disenfranchised groups, a group of students has decided to shake things up. Lebanon
Israeli Bedouin policewoman blazing trail, making enemies An Israeli Bedouin woman who joined the Israel Police to serve her community has become the target of Arabs who consider her a traitor. Israel
Netanyahu's mixed messages to Israeli Arabs Inaugurating two police stations in the Arab sector is a tiny step in what Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu should have done many years ago to assist the Israeli Arab population. Israel
How Lebanese are countering racist attacks The Anti-Racism Movement is standing up for victims of racism in Lebanon by providing assistance and support and exposing racist behavior in the country. Lebanon
Sectarian forces fight for influence in Iraq's Diyala province After being liberated from the Islamic State, the Diyala province is suffering from increased ethnic, sectarian and political conflicts that could turn into armed clashes at any moment. Iraq
Turkey's Erdogan defends Rohingya to enhance image Big political ambitions lurk behind Erdogan’s vocal defense of suffering Muslims in Myanmar, as Ankara’s own human rights record casts doubt on his credibility. Turkey
Kurds plan ahead for shifting status in Syria Syrian Kurds, worried by Turkey’s threat to enter Afrin and a possible rapprochement between Washington and Ankara, are firming up their plans for autonomy. Syria
US pushes back on Turkish media claims about Syrian Kurds US Embassy in Ankara refutes fevered claims about aid deliveries to Syrian Kurds. Syria
New app helps Egypt's Nubians retain traditional tongue Nubi, an app conceived by a young Egyptian entrepreneur, offers a fun way for young Nubians to keep two of their heritage languages alive. Egypt
Iraqi minorities move forward with autonomy plan Representatives of the Turkmen, Yazidi and Assyrian minority communities of Iraq have declared a coalition and put forward the most complete vision yet for self-rule in the country’s north. Iraq
