Female commander in Iran's Basij units assassinated: What to know Violence in the Sistan and Baluchistan province has become a regular occurrence, marked by clashes with armed groups and ambushes on Iranian security forces. Iran
In first, Israel’s Netanyahu says he held call with Syria’s Ahmed al-Sharaa It is the first publicly disclosed contact between the leaders of Israel and Syria, which lack formal relations and have fought several wars. Sharaa’s government began US-mediated talks with Israel in 2025. Syria
Iran’s IRGC says 5 killed in Baluchistan after dismantling ‘militant cell’: What to know Iran’s IRGC announced a new operation against armed militants in the southeastern province of Sistan and Baluchistan, which is witnessing almost daily attacks and clashes. Iran
Culture Syria's Kurds, Arabs find common cause in battle for language rights As Kurdish students protest language restrictions, unexpected alliances are emerging between Syria’s Kurds and Arabs. Syria
Feature Syria Golan detentions fuel fury at Israeli forces, doubts in new government By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Rivalry between Arab parties threatens Arab, ultra-Orthodox Knesset alliance Ultra-Orthodox Knesset parties are furious over the Muslim Ra’am party voting with the coalition on the Enlistment Law, with the ultra-Orthodox political alliance becoming collateral damage of the rivalry between the two Arab parties. Israel
Arab-Israeli city takes battle against violence into its own hands Tired of rising violence and police helplessness, the municipality of Umm al-Fahm presents its own plan to combat crime and decrease social tensions. Israel
Last Christian in Idlib recalls his community The last Christian in Idlib is 90 years old. Despite the war and the challenges, he stayed in Idlib even as all Christians left as a result of the war and restrictions imposed by extremist Islamic factions. Syria
Israeli entrepreneurs to set up first medical center in Arab city Entrepreneurs from the Arab city of Sakhnin are done waiting on the government and working with Tel Aviv's Ichilov Hospital to establishment a local medical facility. Israel
Turkish Netflix series turns cameras on pogroms, hidden Greeks "The Club," whose first season woke the ghosts of Turkey’s Jewish community, turns its lens on Turkey’s Greek Orthodox Community and the pogroms of 1955. Turkey
Nubians demand repatriation during Sisi visit Nubians in Upper Egypt still seek return to the land of their ancestors, after years of forced displacement, amid complaints of political and cultural marginalization. Egypt
Ethiopia detaining Tigrayans deported from Saudi Arabia, rights group says Human Rights Watch urged Ethiopia to release the arbitrarily detained Tigrayans and called on Saudi Arabia to stop its deportations. Saudi Arabia
Gaza at Christmas: a bleak outlook A Christmas tree brings some joy; Gaza’s Jewish quarter and a new wall; "We want to live" protests Hamas policies; Hamas, PIJ killings continue; Racism persists against Black Gazans. Palestine
Gaza’s Christians light Christmas tree Gaza's tiny Christian community celebrates Christmas in a giant way. Palestine
Arab Knesset member shocks crowd, says Israel 'born Jewish' Ra’am leader Mansour Abbas made big waves when he said that Israel was and will remain a Jewish state. Israel
Gaza's few Christians lift economy Gaza’s very small Christian community has been a strong force for the economy. Palestine
Israelis long to reconnect with Arab, Islamic homelands Many Israeli Jews with Middle Eastern origins remember a painful expulsion from their homelands and want to preserve and celebrate the history of those Jewish communities. Israel
