Iran arrests Ahwazi separatist leader amid war crackdown: What to know The Islamic Republic has detained hundreds of people in Khuzestan province, home to Iran’s largest Arab community. Iran
Analysis Hostage to Hormuz, can Gulf rewire future energy flows to bypass Iran’s chokepoint? As the US-Israel-Iran war disrupts around 20% of global oil supply, experts point to opportunities and challenges facing a renewed push to develop alternatives to the Strait of Hormuz. By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Analysis Displacement and dissent: Hezbollah’s war with Israel splits Lebanon’s Shiites The renewed Israel war against Hezbollah in Lebanon has divided the Shiite community, with some still backing the group as resistance against Israel’s expansionist vision and others refusing to pay the price of foreign conflicts. By Karim Safieddine In Beirut, reporting on politics
Lebanon scrambles to contain tensions over displacement as Israel ups threats Displaced Shiites are facing growing resentment from host communities in areas outside of Hezbollah’s control in Lebanon amid uncertainty over their return to southern Lebanon, where Israeli attacks and advances signal a potential ground invasion. Lebanon
Analysis Turkey cautious but unfazed by US plan to mobilize Iranian Kurds against regime By Barin Kayaoglu In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security
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
Funeral held for Palestinian-American boy killed in Illinois hate crime Hatred and violence toward Muslims and Jews is rising in the West as the Israel-Hamas war reverberates around the world. Palestine
