Cultural Heritage Ancient gate to iconic Hagia Sophia vandalized One of the world’s most significant historical sites has been damaged. The head of the Turkish Union of Art History said it could be the first of many disasters in the world heritage site due to neglect. If no precautions are taken to protect these heritage sites, Serif Yaser said, “The dome of the Hagia Sophia might collapse on worshippers by 2050.” Read more here: Experts warn Istanbul's iconic Hagia Sophia at risk as ancient gate damaged
Syria Arabian horses in northwest Syria at risk of being forgotten Arabian horses are among the oldest bred horses in the world, tracing their history back 4,500 years to the Bedouins of the Arabian desert and in artwork from ancient Egypt. But this lineage is now endangered as horse owners in northwest Syria are unable to register their animals and acquire the certificates that confirm their ancestry. Mohammed Hardan and Joe Snell report.
Iraq Iraqi army launches offensive on Sinjar The Iraqi army launched an operation into Sinjar, a Yazidi area in northern Iraq, seeking to dislodge fighters that Turkey says are linked to the PKK. Meanwhile, thousands of civilians are once again having to flee the area. Joe Snell reports. Read more: Is Turkey behind border wall, Iraqi deployment in Sinjar? Iran-backed militias, PKK coordinated vs. Turkish troops in Iraq Yazidi militia says Iraqi army attacks linked to Turkey’s anti-PKK campaign
Turkey Turkish civil rights activist, philanthropist Osman Kavala jailed for life A Turkish court on Monday sentenced civil rights activist and philanthropist Osman Kavala to life in jail without parole. Kavala has been behind bars for 4 1/2 years, accused of attempting to overthrow the government. The case has been widely condemned by Western leaders. Following Monday's decision, the US State Department said it was "deeply troubled and disappointed." Joe Snell reports.
Lebanon Boat carrying Lebanese, Syrians capsizes off coast of Lebanon On Saturday, a boat carrying about 80 Lebanese and Syrians sank off the coast of Tripoli. Seven people have so far been found dead, but dozens are still missing and Lebanese across the country are demanding answers. Joe Snell reports.
Syria The storyteller of Ramadan tours Syria's displaced camps During the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, a storyteller is touring displaced camps across northwest Syria's Idlib province to help children forget about the war. Video by Joe Snell. Shots and story by Mouneb Taim.
Palestine Middle East Minute: Violence escalates at Jerusalem's Al-Aqsa Mosque Al-Monitor's Joe Snell catches you up on the latest Middle East and North Africa headlines in one minute.
Syria Islamic State 'Beatle' found guilty of hostage taking, conspiracy to murder El Shafee Elsheikh, a former British citizen and member of the Islamic State, was convicted by a federal jury this month for his role in the abduction, torture and beheading of several American hostages in Syria. He now faces life in prison.
Middle East Pulse: Profiles, Arts, Culture Assyrian artist connects with cultural heritage in Iraq's Nahla Valley Esther Elia, an Assyrian artist based in New Mexico, traveled over 7,000 miles to the Nahla Valley of northern Iraq to paint a mural depicting Assyrian cultural heritage. Joe Snell reports.
News Briefs Middle East Minute: Eastern Libyan military calls for closure of western road Al-Monitor's Joe Snell catches you up on the latest Middle East and North Africa headlines in one minute.
Jerusalem archbishop condemns police raid at journalist's funeral by Hiba Aslan and Claire Gounon | AFP | May 16, 2022
Thousands hospitalised as latest sandstorm brings Iraq to standstill by Tony Gamal-Gabriel | AFP | May 16, 2022
Jerusalem archbishop condemns police raid at journalist's funeral by Hiba Aslan and Claire Gounon | AFP | May 16, 2022
