Denmark moves to ban Quran burning

Recent Quran burnings in Denmark and Sweden have reignited the debate on freedom of expression and led to security concerns.

By Adam Lucente

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

Ukraine's Zelenskyy meets with Turkish FM as Black Sea pressure rises

The revival of the Black Sea grain deal was likely the top agenda item in the Turkish foreign minister’s meeting with Ukraine's leader as Ankara distances itself from Western efforts to set up alternative routes.

Turkey

Libya captures Islamic State leader behind 2018 capital bombing

The Islamic State has exploited the chaos in Libya to extend its influence.

North Africa

US condemns Israel’s Ben-Gvir over 'racist rhetoric'

Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, who said his right to move freely in the West Bank was more important than that of Palestinians, has faced growing international criticism, including from US model Bella Hadid.

Israel

Analysis

Does Israel’s government want to curb deadly crime wave in Arab sector?

Despite electoral promises, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has nothing to show in terms of stopping spiraling violence in Arab Israeli towns and villages.

By Ben Caspit

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

Israel to review visa policy, ease entry for evangelical Christian NGOs

Leaders of the International Christian Embassy in Jerusalem want Israeli authorities to find a lasting solution to problems involving work visas for clergy and foreign staff.

Israel

Can US-Iran prisoner deal build trust for broader talks?

Experts say the release of five Americans held in Iran could lay the groundwork for a resumption of nuclear talks between the longtime adversaries.

Iran

Prigozhin’s death spells end of Wagner, but Russia won't abandon its missions

With the Wagner Group's top leadership reportedly dead in a likely assassination, Moscow is continuing to quietly replace the private mercenary outfit in its overseas operations.

Syria

4 Arab Israelis arrested for Hezbollah ties, smuggling Iranian explosives

The Shin Bet announced today that four Arab Israelis suspected of involvement with Hezbollah's smuggling activities were arrested last month.

Israel

Protests in southern Syria gain momentum, spread to Aleppo

Anti-government protests in government-held areas have been driven by a fuel price hike on top of the generally dismal economic situation in war-torn Syria.

Syria

Rights watchdog slams Iraq’s anti-LGBTQ bill

An amendment in the Iraqi parliament would make same-sex activity punishable by death. One Iraqi militia leader recently accused the US of “spreading homosexuality” in the country, and anti-LGBTQ sentiment is rising in the region.

Iraq

Turkey’s FM tackles long-held disputes with Iraq in first official visit

Hakan Fidan chose Iraq for his first official visit as Turkey's new foreign minister, but the visit appeared to yield little progress on long-standing disputes between Ankara and Baghdad.

Turkey