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
Christians in Gaza celebrate gloomy Christmas this year Christians in the Gaza Strip will be celebrating Christmas at home this year in light of the lockdown and travel restrictions imposed to stem the skyrocketing number of coronavirus cases. Palestine
Iran's Christians face renewed fears ahead of Christmas The case of Dabrina Bet Tamraz and her parents highlights a string of crackdowns against Evangelical and Protestant Christians across the country that have forced many to flee. Iran
After years of waiting, Ethiopian Jews arrive to Israel One hundred Ethiopian Jews are set to arrive to Israel today, as part of Operation Rock of Israel that was launched yesterday, to bring home 2,000 members of the community. Israel
Intel: US blames ‘scheduling issue’ for no Pompeo-Erdogan meeting A State Department official said Pompeo's "tight schedule" will keep him from meeting Turkish officials when in Istanbul next week. Turkey
Egyptian, Iranian leaders criticize French president over comments on freedom of expression French President Emmanuel Macron angered many Muslim leaders when he defended images of the prophet of Islam after a Parisian teacher was beheaded for showing such images. Egypt
In New York Jewish communities, similarities to Israel's virus struggle Israeli media are covering the conflict over coronavirus measures in New York's Orthodox Jewish neighborhoods, and the issue bears resemblance to Israel's virus situation. Israel
Baghdad, Erbil reach security, administrative agreement on Sinjar district The deal will address major security and structural obstacles, but local communities criticize the accord for failing to bring their people to the table. Iraq
Christians make strong showing in Egyptian Parliament More Christian candidates are running in this year’s parliamentary elections in Egypt. Egypt
Turkey targets Yazidi militia in Iraq over PKK links The Sinjar Resistance Units have been targeted by Turkish forces in Iraq for its connection with the Kurdistan Workers Party. Iraq
Syriac manuscripts recovered from suspected Islamic State fighter in Mosul Stolen manuscripts resurface as Iraqi security forces engage Islamic State cells, but safety concerns for minority communities still loom large. Iraq
Trump mum on refugee admissions despite pleas from Congress The administration has drastically reduced the number of refugees resettled annually in the United States. United States
Iraqi Jews want to regain their citizenship As the region witnesses a wave of normalization with Israel, Iraqi Jews demand restoration of their citizenship. Iraq
