Digital map seeks to document 'trail of destruction' of Mideast antiquities

Government and nonprofit organizations are working together to mitigate the threats that the Islamic State, looters and others pose to Middle East antiquities.

Yemen

Iran rejects speculation on shift, divisions over Syria

Iranian officials claim no differences among officials on Syria; Russia may be rethinking its Syria strategy; UN envoy stresses need for US, Russia “critical mass” in Syria.

Syria

Is Iran’s Syria policy really about to shift?

Iranian officials have rejected suggestions that a staff reshuffle at the Foreign Ministry means the country’s regional policies are soon to change.

Syria

UN Syria envoy looks for talks to resume in July

UN Syria envoy Staffan de Mistura said a “critical mass” of agreement between Russia and the United States was still needed before holding a new round of intra-Syrian talks on a political transition.

Syria

Are major players shifting strategies in Syria?

Russia and the US find themselves in a complex situation in Syria, with plenty of doubt to go around.

Syria

Is Tunisia prepared for return of thousands of Islamic State fighters?

Thousands of Islamic State fighters are expected to return to Tunisia, where the authorities are uncertain how to deal with the risk they may pose.

Iraq

Classic cars withstood coups, but can they survive war in Aleppo?

Abu Omar's family has sought refuge elsewhere, but he remains in Aleppo with his collection of classic cars and antiques.

Syria

Could Foreign Ministry shakeup impact Iran's regional policies?

Iran’s Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has denied speculation that the recent change at the deputy foreign minister position is the result of appeasing foreign countries.

Syria

Islamic State attacks Syrian journalists, even in Turkey

In a series of attacks, four Syrian journalists living in Turkey's border towns were killed. Why are they such easy prey?

Syria

Emotional trauma leaves deep wounds for Syria's child refugees

The refugee crisis has created a desperate need for mental health services, particularly among Syria’s children, whose chances of healing from their mental and emotional wounds are better the sooner they receive care.

Lebanon

Why Syria's Kurds are cooperating with Russia

While the Syrian opposition accuses the Kurds of cooperating with the regime and Russia, the Kurds say they're doing so to fight the Islamic State.

Syria

Why was this influential Iranian deputy minister replaced?

Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, deputy foreign minister for Arab and African affairs since 2011, has been replaced.

Saudi Arabia