Topic: Middle East

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Iran's 'axis of resistance' loses its Palestinian arm to Syrian war

Sunni Hamas has broken its longtime ties with the Assad regime to fight alongside the predominantly Sunni Syrian opposition.
Backchannels Heavy metal, Islamist politics, and democracy in Indonesia

Heavy metal band Jamrud and a major Indonesian Islamist party throw a gig together. That's one of the smallest changes in Indonesian politics.
Avon layoffs eliminate 400 jobs, shut down Ireland operations

Avon layoffs will include more than 400 jobs cuts worldwide, just three months after the 1,500 layoffs in December, when Avon pulled out of Vietnam and South Korea.
Opinion Why it's no longer the chummy 1990s for Turkey, Israel

President Obama and Secretary of State John Kerry are working hard to repair relations between Turkey and Israel. They deserve credit for their efforts. But much has changed for both countries since they cooperated in the 1990s, and progress toward rapprochement will likely be slow.
The Monitor's View Can hope replace North Korea's fears?

The escalation of fear between North Korea and the US reveals the danger of relying too much on fear of retaliatory nuclear attacks as a strategy for defense. The difficult task of replacing North Korea's fears with hopes of peace and prosperity must continue.
Report points to worldwide rise in anti-Semitic incidents

A report by Tel Aviv University and the European Jewish Congress found a 30 percent jump in anti-Semetic violence and vandalism in 2012. Researchers saw a correlation between extreme right-wing parties and high levels of anti-Semitic incidents in certain countries.
Secretary Kerry returning to Mideast: How much nudging will he do?

Seeking to build on Obama's recent visit, John Kerry will be in Turkey and Israel – already his third trip there as secretary – to signal the Mideast parties 'he's serious' about making peace.
Global News Blog Good Reads: Christian Middle East exodus, online ed, drone strikes, and Japan's prisons

The round-up of Good Reads for this week includes a look at the plight of Christians in the Middle East, how online classes are faring, a visual timeline of US drone attacks, and why Japan's crime rate is so low.
Energy Voices Why is the Mafia investing in renewable energy?

The renewable energy industry is apparently becoming a favorite playground for the underworld, Alic writes. Lucrative government subsidies for the construction of wind farms and a fairly lax regulatory system have made renewable energy attractive to the Mafia.
Difference Maker Bryan Hoddle helps wounded vets run – and dream – again

He's more than a track coach: He's a counselor and a friend, listening to a life story.
Top Picks: Art on the big screen, PBS's raw look at Syria, and more

Josh Groban sings at Lincoln Center, Beat Making Lab follows musicians and educators as they teach music to students around the world, and more top picks.
What would a Korean war cost? Gauging the economic turmoil.

If a real shooting war came to the Koreas, the economic disruption would be global, though Asian nations likely would pay a higher price than the US. Some economists fear significant long-term changes to international trade.
Verbal Energy When did 'sex' become 'gender'?

How Ruth Bader Ginsburg's secretary helped to effect a shift in public discourse.
Opinion Are US drones ethical?

Whether drones should be used in the US is the wrong question. Americans should be asking: Is it ethical to use drones anywhere? Is it fair to search for security for ourselves at the expense of perpetual insecurity for others?
Iraq's Christians face hardship, but peaceful Easter also highlights promise

War and persecution by newly empowered Islamist forces drove Iraq's Christians away, halving the population of the once-thriving community. But a new Christian leader vows to rebuild.
In Easter message Pope Francis calls for peace

Pope Francis emphasized his concern for the poor and suffering, and delivered a plea for peace in the Middle East and on the Korean peninsula during his first Easter Sunday Mass.
Change Agent Herschel Walker tells soldiers: 'Don't be afraid to ask for help'

The former NFL superstar openly shares his struggles with mental problems – and the help he's received – with soldiers, including some who are struggling to adjust after duty in the Middle East.
Opinion President Obama's Israel visit highlights common goals and a rare friendship

President Obama will be welcomed in Israel today by a spirit of friendship built on shared values, opposition to a pursuit of nuclear weapons by Iran, and commitment to a peaceful solution with the Palestinians. Such cooperation is not common in the Middle East.
Iran nuclear program: Obama makes case for diplomacy ahead of trip to Israel

But on Israeli TV, President Obama also pledged that the US will take no options off the table for stopping Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. Israel has argued the threat is more urgent.
Backchannels From every direction, arms for Syria

France is pushing hard, it seems, for Western powers to arm Syria's rebellion. If they get their way, they'll be joining an already crowded playing field.
Opinion Obama must push – not just praise – Jordan's efforts at democratic reform

Ahead of his trip to Israel, the West Bank, and Jordan, President Obama should remember: The only way for the US to maintain Jordan as a stable ally in the long term is to prod King Abdullah toward more meaningful reform that meets the rising expectations of Jordan’s citizens.
Saudi Arabia executes 7 in first-ever firing squad

Saudi Arabia executes 7 men found guilty of theft, looting, and armed robbery. The 7 were executed in the first-ever firing squad execution in the kingdom. Saudi Arabia has executed 23 people so far this year.
Six months after Benghazi, Obama names Libya envoy. Who is Deborah Jones?

The White House said Obama was nominating Deborah Jones, a career diplomat and Middle East expert, as ambassador to Libya. She would replace Christopher Stevens, who was killed in Benghazi.
Syria's children: even their first words are now shaped by war

A Save the Children report released today states that children, some 2 million of them, are the 'forgotten victims' of Syria's war.
Best airport named: Indianapolis airport tops the list again

Best airport named: Indianapolis International beat out airports in Ottawa and Tampa. Indianapolis also was named the top North American airport in 2010.