Feature Syria Golan detentions fuel fury at Israeli forces, doubts in new government Israeli forces have detained hundreds of Syrians and continue to conduct strikes and incursions in Quneitra, fueling resentment among residents who say Damascus has failed to protect them. By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Fresh clashes leave 6 dead in Iran's Sistan and Baluchistan: What to know Iran is experiencing worsening violence in the southeast amid the broader regional conflict and following a dispute over the environmental impact of a gold mine. Iran
Israel election committee bars two Arab lists from upcoming vote: What to know Israel's Central Elections Committee barred the Arab-majority Raam party, the Arab joint list party and two Arab politicians from participating in the Oct. 27 elections. Israel
Third Sunni cleric killed in Iran’s Sistan and Baluchistan Province: What to know Iran says it is stepping up its crackdown on armed groups in the impoverished province as Sunni clerics have been reported killed there and in the predominantly Kurdish northwest. Iran
Analysis How Jewish politician joining Arab party could reshape Israeli politics By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
Analysis Why Iran is intensifying wartime crackdown in restive Baluchistan By A correspondent in Tehran In Tehran, reporting on politics
Interview PJAK leader mocks Iran’s claim Turkey spiked US Kurdish-backed regime-change plan Siamand Moeini PJAK Executive Council Member
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
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
