For protesters pardoned in Iran, freedom comes with no guarantees

The Washington Post spoke to three Iranians affected by a recent amnesty, as the authorities seek to restore order after months of anti-government protests.

By Miriam BergerApril 24, 2023

Sudan slides toward civil war and state collapse

People who have navigated Sudan’s tortured politics fear an even darker turn in a nation that is no stranger to ruinous war.

By Ishaan TharoorApril 23, 2023

In photos: Muslims celebrate Eid al-Fitr around the globe

From Syria to Sydney, almost 2 billion Muslims around the world are celebrating the Eid al-Fitr holiday, marking the end of Ramadan.

By Adela Suliman and Morgan CoatesApril 21, 2023

Ramadan brought rare calm, familiar worries to Jerusalem’s Old City

Ramadan is meant to be a time of sacrifice that leads to renewal. But as this year’s tense holy month draws to a close, many Palestinians feel a mounting unease.

By Louisa Loveluck and Sufian TahaApril 21, 2023

When protesters were killed in Iran, their funerals became deadly

Funerals for protesters killed during Iran’s uprising have become a form of protest, as well as another grim venue for the state’s violent crackdown.

By Nilo Tabrizy, Atthar Mirza and Babak Dehghanpisheh April 21, 2023

Arab leaders keep trying to bury the Arab Spring

Developments in Tunisia are the latest iteration of what Nadim Houry, executive director of the Arab Reform Initiative, described as an “authoritarian restoration” that got underway in the years after the Arab Spring.

By Ishaan TharoorApril 21, 2023
The Washington Post
Exclusive

Ukraine planned attacks on Russian forces in Syria, leaked document shows

THE DISCORD LEAKS | Last winter, Ukraine’s military intelligence directorate proposed striking Russian troops and Wagner mercenaries in Syria, before President Volodymyr Zelensky directed a halt to the operations

By Evan Hill and Alex HortonApril 20, 2023

Dozens killed in stampede in Yemen’s capital during charity event

An official with the Houthi-run Interior Ministry said at least 78 people were killed in Sanaa, with dozens of others injured.

By Rachel Pannett, Miriam Berger and Sarah DadouchApril 20, 2023

U.S. allies in Middle East target dissidents on American soil, report says

Egypt and Saudi Arabia use threats, surveillance, hostage-taking and prosecutions to try to silence dissidents on U.S. soil, according to a new report.

By Claire ParkerApril 19, 2023

Meir Shalev, preeminent Israeli writer, dies at 74

In works of fiction, nonfiction and memoir, he captured his country’s history without becoming mired in its politics.

By Emily LangerApril 19, 2023

Tunisia arrests opposition leader as crackdown escalates

The detention of Rachid Ghannouchi, head of the Ennahda party, is the latest and most dramatic in a wave of arrests of Tunisian President Kais Saied's critics.

By Claire ParkerApril 18, 2023

Behind chaos in Sudan is a broader global power struggle

As dueling warlords remain locked in a classic internecine conflict in Sudan, outside players are fueling the discord.

By Ishaan TharoorApril 18, 2023
The Washington Post
Exclusive

Egypt nearly supplied rockets to Russia, agreed to arm Ukraine instead, leak shows

Egypt made detailed plans to export rockets at Moscow’s request, but after a diplomatic offensive from Washington, later approved artillery production for Kyiv.

By Missy Ryan, Evan Hill and Siobhán O'GradyApril 17, 2023

Iran steps up enforcement of mandatory hijab for women

After months of women-led protests, Iranian authorities are cracking down on those who do not wear a headscarf in public.

By Miriam BergerApril 16, 2023

Saudi Arabia mends ties with Syria as part of regional diplomatic spree

Saudi Arabia’s diplomatic push could reshape regional dynamics, analysts say, at a time of uncertainty about the future of U.S. engagement in the Middle East.

By Sarah DadouchApril 14, 2023
The Washington Post
Exclusive

Egypt secretly planned to supply rockets to Russia, leaked U.S. document says

President Abdel Fatah El-Sisi in February planned to produce 40,000 rockets for Russia and instructed officials to keep production and shipment secret “to avoid problems with the West.”

By Evan Hill, Missy Ryan, Siobhán O'Grady and Samuel OakfordApril 11, 2023

Netanyahu appeals for unity amid violence, but risks losing control

With Israel’s crises stacking up, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed a country in need of reassurance.

By Louisa LoveluckApril 11, 2023

How U.S. friends and foes have responded to leaked Pentagon documents

The Pentagon is working “around-the-clock” to determine the scope of any leaked material and the impact its spread could have, a Pentagon spokesman said.

By Miriam Berger and Dan LamotheApril 11, 2023

Good Friday Agreement is a rare success story of 1990s U.S. diplomacy

The 25th anniversary of the pact is a reminder of the relative failure of two other Clinton-era diplomatic agreements in the Middle East and the Balkans.

By Ishaan TharoorApril 11, 2023

China’s new world order is taking shape

A bumper week for diplomacy in Beijing helps show the contours of the new world order China is imagining.

By Ishaan TharoorApril 10, 2023