Human rights

A policeman guards the entrance of the Azerbaijan Embassy in Tehran on Jan. 27, 2023, following an attack.

Amid thaw with Baku, Iran executes citizen behind Azerbaijani Embassy attack

Iran has executed the gunman behind a 2023 shooting at Azerbaijan’s embassy in Tehran, bringing closure to a crisis that had severely strained bilateral ties.

A Palestinian girl sits amid a makeshift displacement camp set up amid building rubble in Gaza City on May 12, 2025. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on May 12 that the release of a US-Israeli hostage announced by Hamas would not lead to a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip or the release of Palestinian detainees. (Photo by Omar AL-QATTAA / AFP) (Photo by OMAR AL-QATTAA/AFP via Getty Images)

Netanyahu slams France, UK, Canada for asking Israel to 'stop' Gaza war

A sharp exchange between Israel and its Western partners over Gaza policy unfolded Monday, with Netanyahu slamming calls to halt military action just as a new Israeli offensive reportedly killed more than 100 Palestinians in less than two days.

OZAN KOSE/AFP via Getty Images

Over 400 detained in Istanbul’s May Day protest as Turkey restricts transit

The demonstrations, which marked the first major opposition rally since mass protests roiled the country last month over the Istanbul mayor’s arrest, were met with tight restrictions.

A worshiper waves the flag of Argentina as Pope Francis arrives for the weekly general audience on June 5, 2019 at St. Peter's square in the Vatican. (Photo by Vincenzo PINTO / AFP) (Photo credit should read VINCENZO PINTO/AFP via Getty Images)

Pope Francis, voice for Middle East peace and first to visit Gulf, dies at 88

Pope Francis died on Monday after serving as pontiff for 11 years, advocating for human rights and inclusion in the Middle East and beyond.

By Rosaleen Carroll

In Washington, DC, US, reporting on the Middle East

Latest News

Oscar-winning Palestinian director freed from Israeli detention after night in custody

Monica Schipper/Getty Images

Hearing delayed after Lebanese doctor with US visa deported: What to know

A Department of Homeland Security officer stands guard at 26 Federal Plaza as protestors gather to demand the release of Mahmoud Khalil on March 10, 2025, in New York City.

Kuwait revokes citizenship of 464 as restrictions tighten under new emir

A voter holds his proof of Kuwaiti citizenship upon arriving at a polling station during parliamentary elections in Kuwait City on June 6, 2023.

Canceled Syrian justice workshop sparks repression fears: What to know

SHADI AL-DUBAISI/AFP via Getty Images

TUSAID chair

Turkey slaps travel ban on 2 businessmen for criticizing dissident crackdown

Two business leaders from the country’s largest industrialist group were banned from traveling internationally after a speech by the Turkish president criticizing the organization.

Israeli hostages stand on stage flanked by Hamas militants during the official handover in Gaza, Gaza Strip, on February 8, 2025. Hamas hands over three Israeli hostages to the Red Cross as part of ongoing negotiations. (Photo by Youssef Alzanoun / Middle East Images / Middle East Images via AFP) (Photo by YOUSSEF ALZANOUN/Middle East Images/AFP via Getty Images)

Analysis

Can Hamas defy Trump's ultimatum as Gaza ceasefire teeters?

Israel is considering introducing a transitional phase to salvage the deal and ensure the continued release of hostages. However, for this to proceed, Hamas must adhere to the agreed-upon terms by Saturday.

In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense

“CLOSE IT DOWN!” Mr. Trump wrote of U.S.A.I.D. on Truth Social,

Analysis

US aid freeze threatens Sudan’s lifeline as USAID support hangs in balance

As the Trump administration dissolves the US' largest aid agency, Sudan, embroiled in conflict and a humanitarian crisis, could soon suffer the consequences.

Adam Lucente

By Adam Lucente

In New York City, reporting on regional news, militancy, climate change

People in Jabalia erect tents amid the rubble of destroyed buildings as displaced Palestinians return to northern Gaza during a ceasefire in the war between Israel and Hamas, Jan. 23, 2025.

'Death itself could not get us out of here!' Gazans reject Trump’s proposal

After suffering more than a year of death and destruction, Palestinians in Gaza stress they will not abandon their land, dismissing the idea floated by the US president to relocate them to neighboring Arab countries.

Hamas militants escort Isreali hostage Agam Berger (C) before handing her over to a Red Cross team in Jabalia on January 30, 2025

Israel suspends next Palestinian prisoner release after chaotic Hamas handover of hostages

Another three Israelis and five Thai nationals have been freed from captivity in Gaza.

Ayse Barim

Turkey arrests prominent talent agent over 2013 Gezi protests

Ayse Barim’s arrest reflects a broader campaign to silence dissent, government critics say.

Iraqi Muslim girls, who traditionally begin wearing the hijaba head covering worn in publicat the mandatory age of nine, take part in a ceremony organized at a stadium in Basra on December 19, 2024. (Photo by Hussein FALEH / AFP) (Photo by HUSSEIN FALEH/AFP via Getty Images)

Iraq passes law that could legalize child marriage: What to know

The controversial amendments were passed alongside laws on land disputes and amnesty for some crimes.

Supporters and relatives of hostages held captive in the Gaza Strip since the Oct. 7, 2023, attacks by Palestinian militants react while watching a live TV broadcast on the release of Israeli hostages, at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv, Israel, Jan. 19, 2025.

Relief over hostage release briefly overshadows Israel's political divide

As Israel celebrated the homecoming of Emily Damari, Romi Gonen and Doron Steinbrecher Sunday, the far right continues to oppose the mediated deal with Hamas.

An Israeli soldier looks at a memorial wall for Israeli people and soldiers who were killed since the Oct. 7 deadly Hamas attack.

Here are main Netanyahu and Hamas compromises in proposed Gaza deal

Details are beginning to surface about a potential deal between Israel and Hamas for the release of hostages and a ceasefire in Gaza.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is joined on stage at the debut of the Year of the Family in Ankara, on Jan. 13, 2025.

Turkey’s Erdogan targets LGBTQ+ community in push for 'Year of the Family' initiatives

The Turkish president took swipe at the LGBTQ+ community and at social media as he announced new measures to encourage child birth.

People walk past a guard tower outside the fencing of Camp 5 at the US Military's Prison in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, on Jan, 26, 2017.

Analysis

After 23 years, 15 detainees left, will US close Guantanamo detention camp?

Only 15 detainees remain in Guantanamo. With so few inmates left, could the infamous prison close?

By Rosaleen Carroll

In Washington, DC, US, reporting on the Middle East

Tony Holden

Family of US contractor jailed in Kuwait asks Biden to push for pardon

The family of a US defense contractor imprisoned in Kuwait on what he claims are false drug charges is appealing to the Biden administration to intervene.