As Syria marks one year since Assad fall, some minorities skip celebrations Despite President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s vows to protect all of Syria’s communities, sectarian violence has spiked against the minorities, namely against Alawites and Druze. Syria
Pope Leo gets rock star's reception in Lebanon, drawing cheers, celebrations Pope Leo began his second day in crisis-hit Lebanon with visits to notable Christian shrines in the country and an interfaith meeting in the capital, Beirut. Lebanon
Lebanon celebrates Pope Leo’s visit as Israel escalates attacks The pontiff's visit to Lebanon comes as many in the country fear a potential restart of the war between Israel and Hezbollah. Lebanon
In first foreign visit, Pope Leo meets Erdogan, urges Turkey to uphold pluralism On his inaugural foreign visit to Turkey, Pope Leo called for respect for pluralism after meeting with the Turkish president. Turkey
Analysis Pope Leo in Turkey, navigating faith, politics and Orthodox tensions By Barin Kayaoglu In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security
Analysis Israel scrambles for strategy as Mamdani’s NYC victory sparks alarm By Mazal Mualem In Tel Aviv, reporting on politics
Analysis As Trump hosts Sharaa, Israel cautiously seeks Syria security deal By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
Iran arrests several Azeris amid tensions with Azerbaijan As Iranian-Azeri ties continue to be strained, Iran has arrested at least five ethnic Azeris accused of espionage and terrorism. Iran
In Lebanon, Hezbollah’s alliance with Christian FPM movement shows cracks The presidential vacuum and ongoing cross-border hostilities have strained already deteriorating relations between the Shiite Hezbollah group and the Free Patriotic Movement. Lebanon
What's behind Turkey's muted response to Iran-Pakistan escalation? Two considerations stand out in Turkey’s muted response to recent Iranian strikes in Iraq and Pakistan. Turkey
Across Baluchistan, who are the groups targeted by Iran, Pakistan? The cross-border strikes have raised questions about the separatist groups operating in the border area between Iran and Pakistan. Iran
What is behind Iran-Pakistan border escalation, the worst in decades? Iran’s Sistan and Baluchistan province, located on the border with Pakistan, has long been plagued by poverty, protests and militant activity. Iran
Israeli ministry faces backlash for denying Jewish event funds over Arab anchor Many in Israel were appalled by the Education Ministry revoking funding for a Jewish event that featured beloved Arab Israeli journalist Lucy Aharish. Israel
Culture 'Costumes of Egypt: Lost Legacies': An author's bid to save forgotten identities Art expert Shahira Mehrez talks about her quest to recollect and preserve the Egyptian women’s traditional costumes. Egypt
A ritual of hope: Exploring Istanbul's 'First Day of the Month Church' On the first day of 2024, hundreds from different faiths, including Muslims, flock to a famous Istanbul church, engaging in ancient rituals that transform New Year's aspirations into realities. Turkey
Mother of Palestinian student shot in Vermont: 'Hateful rhetoric’ aided attack Al-Monitor interviewed Elizabeth Price, whose son, Hisham Awartani, was shot in the northeast US in November amid a rise in hateful actions related to the Gaza war. Palestine
Founder of 'Save Armenian Quarter' is confident in victory in Jerusalem land case Hagop Djernazian expressed confidence in an interview with Al-Monitor that the community has galvanized its efforts to prevail in the case. Israel
Culture Passing of leader of Lebanon’s tiny Jewish community comes at heavy moment The country is now home to 29 Jews, as thousands fled during the civil war in the past century amid rising anti-Jewish sentiment. Lebanon
Armenian clergy members attacked in Jerusalem over real estate dispute Hooded men attacked several Armenian clergymen and theology students, apparently in relation to a disputed deal for the sale of a parking lot inside the Armenia Quarter in Jerusalem’s Old City. Israel
