As U.S.-authored peace talks with Israeli negotiators appear likely to fail, Palestinian leaders believe international diplomatic pressure on Israel, including economic boycotts, present the best chance for peace
Middle East
Al Jazeera Journalists Return to Court in Egypt
Twenty journalists accused of helping Egypt’s banned Muslim Brotherhood returned to court for the second day of their trial on charges of spreading disinformation and abetting terrorists
Saudi Arabia, UAE and Bahrain Recall Envoys From Qatar
Relationships sour over support for Islamists
Gaza’s Isolation Grows As Egyptian Court Outlaws Hamas
The Islamist group’s marginalization could help the more moderate Fatah faction
Egypt Military Chief Gives New Hints of Presidential Run
Field Marshal Abdul Fattah al-Sisi says he “can’t turn his back” if Egyptians want him to run for president
Los Angeles Gangsters Reportedly Fighting in Syria for Assad
If true, it would be the first reported case of Americans fighting for Assad
Israel Doubled West Bank Settlement Construction in 2013
Statistics revealed hours before Netanyahu and Obama meet to discuss peace process
At Weekly Exorcisms, Egypt’s Muslims and Christians Unite Against the Demons
Cairo’s best-known exorcist may be Christian, but his weekly exorcisms provide an unusual space for interfaith cooperation
Obama Warns Netanyahu On Peace Talks
The President warns of Israel’s “aggressive settlement construction over the last couple of years”
Ultra-Orthodox Jews Protest Israeli Draft Law
Hundreds of thousands flood Jerusalem streets to protest military conscription for ultra-religious
Iraq Death Toll Tops 700 In February
Sectarian clashes continue across the country as death toll escalates
Scarlett Johansson Says She’s No Role Model
First Scarlett Johansson endorsed the anti-poverty activist group Oxfam by serving as its ambassador. Then she left that behind in the uproar that followed becoming “Global Brand Ambassador” for SodaStream, an Israeli company …
Al-Qaeda Rebels in Syria Tell Christians to Pay Up or Die
ISIS leaders are invoking an ancient law to force Christians living in their areas to pay for protection