MENA

Esmaeil Baghaei [Getty]
Iran said its position on Syria, where it supported ousted leader Bashar al-Assad, includes for the people to decide on its future without foreign interference.
Photo of Bashar al-Assad's wife, Asma
Reports have been circulating that the recently toppled Bashar al-Assad's wife is filing for divorce after they were forced to move to Russia.
Morocco Algeria flags
Experts predict the competition will be anything but peaceful between Morocco and Algeria, whose representatives have been known to throw punches—literally.
Man on phone and three women with three children stand near cars
Around 1.3 million Syrian refugees reside in Jordan, with many now eager to return to their homeland although wary of going back before the situation settles.
The Arab thinker Azmi Bishara during the interview with Syria TV, 22 December 2024 (screenshot)
Dr. Azmi Bishara, General Director of the Arab Center for Research and Policy Studies, presented his vision for Syria's transitional phase in a new TV interview
Khalifa Abdullah al-Sharif (C), who was appointed as Charge d'Affaires, arrived at the Embassy building and started his duty as Qatar's Embassy in Damascus reopens after nearly 13 years in Damascus, Syria on December 21, 2024. (Photo by Nabiaha Altaha/Anadolu via Getty Images)
Top Arab diplomats are meeting with Syria’s new leadership in attempts to rebuild the war-torn country following the toppling of Bashar al-Assad’s regime.
Photo of destruction in Gaza City
The ceasefire speculation comes as Israeli forces killed another 50 Palestinians. Meanwhile, Oxfam has accused Israel of “relentlessly” starving civilians.
Israeli forces targeted intensive care units and operation rooms in Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza [Getty]
About 91 persons, including patients and medical staff, are still stuck inside the hospital without knowing what will happen to them.
Bethlehem [Getty]
Bethlehem, the traditional birthplace of Jesus, will once again observe a low-spirited Christmas amid the war in Gaza and economic hardship.
Ahmed al-Sharaa in Damascus [Getty]
Sharaa said his interim government will not allow for weapons to be outside of state control, and emphasised on protecting minorities in his meeting with Fidan.