Global Post
The new business of Lebanon: kidnapping
Kidnapping for ransom is one of the few forms of economic activity to flourish here as the civil war in neighboring Syria cripples the tourism industry and erodes the authority of the state.
Middle East
Christian Science Monitor
As Tunisia’s Ennahda falters, supporters wonder if it can handle the heat
Tunisia’s leading party, the Islamist Ennahda, is struggling to deliver prosperity and stability. Even some supporters who flocked to the party after the revolution are questioning its performance — and what it should do next.
Christian Science Monitor
Strong turnout in Jordan’s elections belies deep-seated cynicism
Jordanians turned out to vote in record numbers in yesterday’s parliamentary elections, but many, even those who voted, see the system as stacked against change.
Global Post
Palestine nationalizes Christmas
The Palestinian government is using the Christmas season to recognize the birth of Palestine as a state.
Christian Science Monitor
Poll: Spike in Palestinian support for military operations against Israel
Spurred by the recent Gaza conflict, continued settlement expansion, and a stalled peace process, Palestinian support for a military operation against Israel has jumped 20 percentage points in a year.
Christian Science Monitor
Obama’s pivot to Asia? Middle East will still demand attention in 2013
The popular unrest of the last two years has left the Middle East volatile as 2013 kicks off.
Global Post
Small arms fuel Middle East conflicts
Many weapons originate in the US — and the problem is getting worse.
Global Post
Are Syria’s rebels about to win?
Syrian rebels have made significant gains in recent weeks as support for Assad shows signs of fraying.
Christian Science Monitor
Hamas wins over its doubters in Gaza with battlefield prowess
Economic stagnation and political frustration steadily eroded Gazans’ support for Hamas after it took over in 2006, but support is rebounding because it is seen as standing up to Israel.
Christian Science Monitor
For Syrian rebels, a relentless game of cat-and-mouse
The Free Syrian Army attacks regime positions on Syria’s southern border, but only holds them long enough to rush supplies and fighters in from Lebanon. Such tactics won’t break a grim stalemate.
Christian Science Monitor
Why Palestinians are pushing for new status at UN
With no progress on peace talks, the Palestinians are planning to seek a global mandate for statehood at the United Nations.
Christian Science Monitor
Why the Palestinian president shocked his people over ‘right of return’
President Mahmoud Abbas appeared to give up on a longtime Palestinian demand that refugees be allowed back into homes from before the 1948 founding of the Jewish state.
Global Post
How Syria’s conflict stretches beyond its borders
As civilian casualties mount and refugees flood adjacent nations — and more actors enter the fray — the Syrian conflict threatens to engulf the entire region.
Global Post
On border with Syria and Lebanon, Israel prepares for the worst
Apart from residents of Beirut and Damascus, who suffered massive bombings last weekend, few people are more attentive to unrest in Lebanon and in Syria than the intelligence officers manning Israel’s Northern Command.
Global Post
Egypt’s army outgunned by extremists in Sinai
Armed with heavy weapons from Libya and elsewhere, militants have set up shop in the Sinai Peninsula.
