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
Israeli Bedouin policewoman blazing trail, making enemies An Israeli Bedouin woman who joined the Israel Police to serve her community has become the target of Arabs who consider her a traitor. Israel
Netanyahu's mixed messages to Israeli Arabs Inaugurating two police stations in the Arab sector is a tiny step in what Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu should have done many years ago to assist the Israeli Arab population. Israel
How Lebanese are countering racist attacks The Anti-Racism Movement is standing up for victims of racism in Lebanon by providing assistance and support and exposing racist behavior in the country. Lebanon
Sectarian forces fight for influence in Iraq's Diyala province After being liberated from the Islamic State, the Diyala province is suffering from increased ethnic, sectarian and political conflicts that could turn into armed clashes at any moment. Iraq
Turkey's Erdogan defends Rohingya to enhance image Big political ambitions lurk behind Erdogan’s vocal defense of suffering Muslims in Myanmar, as Ankara’s own human rights record casts doubt on his credibility. Turkey
Kurds plan ahead for shifting status in Syria Syrian Kurds, worried by Turkey’s threat to enter Afrin and a possible rapprochement between Washington and Ankara, are firming up their plans for autonomy. Syria
US pushes back on Turkish media claims about Syrian Kurds US Embassy in Ankara refutes fevered claims about aid deliveries to Syrian Kurds. Syria
New app helps Egypt's Nubians retain traditional tongue Nubi, an app conceived by a young Egyptian entrepreneur, offers a fun way for young Nubians to keep two of their heritage languages alive. Egypt
Iraqi minorities move forward with autonomy plan Representatives of the Turkmen, Yazidi and Assyrian minority communities of Iraq have declared a coalition and put forward the most complete vision yet for self-rule in the country’s north. Iraq
Egypt’s Nubians protest for right to return to their lands Nubians in southern Egypt have staged demonstrations and roadblocks in recent days, protesting a government takeover of what they claim to be part of their ancestral homeland. Egypt
