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
In shadow of Gaza, Christmas is canceled in Israel this year Against the backdrop of the war in Gaza, Arab Israeli municipalities — including in Nazareth, Jerusalem and Haifa — canceled all grand Christmas celebrations. Israel
Assyrian Christmas message raises tensions in Turkey’s parliament The tensions are a snippet of the larger conflict regarding citizens’ rights to speak their mother tongues in the public and official sphere in multiethnic Turkey. Turkey
Relatives of Israeli Bedouins kidnapped by Hamas plead for France's help Relatives of Israeli Bedouins kidnapped by Hamas Oct. 7 are hoping to raise international awareness of their plight. Israel
Iran Sunni province awaits crackdown after militant attack Iran's past pledges to give a "decisive" response to similar militant attacks in Sistan-Baluchistan have effectively meant widespread local raids, a rise in executions and stricter security controls in the already restive region. Iran
Anti-Assad protests in Syria’s Suwayda persist, fueled by economic turmoil The protests in southern Syria, historically a government stronghold, persist amid widespread economic strife in the war-torn country. Syria
Who are the 3 Palestinian students shot in Vermont as hate crimes spike? The shooting occurred during a time of heightened bigotry toward Arabs, Muslims and Jews amid the Israel-Hamas war and follows a string of similarly violent incidents. Palestine
After battling Hamas, Druze leaders ask Israel for more than special status law In mourning for community victims killed by the militant group in Gaza, Druze patience is wearing thin toward a law discriminating against them. Israel
Why is bin Laden’s ‘letter to America’ trending during Gaza war? The controversial 2002 letter explains the al-Qaeda leader and 9/11 mastermind’s reasons for attacking the United States. Legacy: Gulf
France investigates suspected Russian role in Star of David graffiti in Paris French police are investigating whether Stars of David spray-painted on Parisian buildings in late October were directed by Russian actors. Israel
Analysis Israel-Russia ties unravel as Putin calls meeting over Dagestan mob incident After a Hamas delegation visited Moscow and the anti-Israeli incident in Dagestan, the crisis between Israel and Russia is out in the open. By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
Tunisia’s Jews on edge after crowd torches synagogue amid Gaza protests History of heated rhetoric and reaction to Israel's war against Hamas may spill over to the small local Jewish population. Tunisia
Jerusalem’s Orthodox Patriarch: Israeli strike on Gaza church a ‘war crime’ The Saint Porphyrius Church, in the al-Zaytoun neighborhood of Gaza City, was built in 1150 by crusaders and is considered the oldest active church in the Gaza Strip. Palestine
