Islamic State escalates attacks in Syrian desert

The Islamic State has recently intensified its attacks against regime forces and their allied militias in the Syrian desert, in what seems to be revenge for the killing of their leader in northeast Syria in February.

Syria

Human rights, dissenters face uphill struggle in Libya

In a rare case brought against human rights activists, Libya’s Internal Security Agency accused seven activists of apostasy and contempt of Islam, resulting in condemnation by the United Nations and Amnesty International.

North Africa

Temple Mount tensions lead to diplomatic crisis between Jordan, Israel

Prime Minister Naftali Bennett said yesterday he views with utmost severity comments by Jordan's prime minister blaming Israel for violence on Temple Mount compound.

Israel

Iranian Reformist faces backlash from hard-liners for criticizing IRGC  

Outspoken Reformist Faezeh Hashemi has invited furious attacks from hard-liners after suggesting that the United States should keep the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps on its terror list. 

Iran

Turkish, Israeli leaders speak on Al-Aqsa Mosque tensions 

Blaming Israeli radicals and security forces for the attacks against the Palestinians, Erdogan expressed concern over the spreading of unrest to Gaza. 

Turkey

Coup generals bring back party of Sudan's ousted dictator

Members of deposed dictator Omar al-Bashir's party have been appointed to high state positions and reinstated throughout the government.

Egypt

Israeli coalition on verge of collapse as Jerusalem roils

The tensions at Jerusalem’s holy sites is tearing apart what little is left of the Israeli coalition government.

Israel

France’s Le Pen brings Israeli-Palestinian conflict into presidential campaign

Head of French far-right National Rally party and presidential candidate Marine Le Pen explains how she sees future relations between her country and the Middle East, should she be elected.

Israel

Factional infighting escalates in northern Syria

Infighting continues among the Turkish-backed Free Syrian Army factions in light of a power and influence struggle, conflict over crossings and smuggling corridors, and the lack of a unified military institution.

Syria

Turkey launches offensive against PKK targets in northern Iraq

In a critically timed spring offensive, Turkey has hit dozens of targets associated with the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party and killed 19 fighters.

Turkey

Iran's Foreign Ministry calls avenging Soleimani 'basic' foreign policy principle

As nuclear talks remain stalled, a spokesperson for Iran's Foreign Ministry doubled down on threats to avenge the killing of top Iranian commander Qasem Soleimani.

Iran

Middle East denounces Sweden as riots break out over Quran burning

A far-right politician had planned to burn a copy of the Quran but called it off as Muslim citizens rioted.

By Adam Lucente

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