Middle East
A short history of games of chance in the Middle East
From ancient dice and royal game boards to modern digital platforms, the Middle East's long relationship with games of chance reveals a timeless fascination with luck, fate and uncertainty.
Iran-linked vessels pass through Hormuz ahead of US blockade
Jeffries opposes Massie bid to cut military aid to Israel, but says ‘change in direction is needed’
Israel kills Hamas terrorists in Gaza, IDF soldier sentenced after accused of spying for Iran
Iran rehabilitating damaged nuclear sites, satellite imagery shows - report
While CNN reported that repair efforts were identified at sites in Iran's Parchin and Pickaxe Mountain, imagery of sites at Isfahan, Fordow, and Natanz did not indicate any restoration efforts.
US insists Iran commit to stopping attacks in Hormuz, American officials say
Iran has told Washington that recent attacks on shipping in the strait were from "an errant part of their system," one senior official said.
China halts helium exports amid renewed Middle East conflict
Beijing said the temporary ban is intended to prevent domestic shortages as renewed Middle East fighting threatens supplies of the gas used in semiconductor manufacturing.
As Iran fades, Turkey emerges as Israel's biggest strategic threat
DIPLOMATIC AFFAIRS: Netanyahu’s campaign against selling F-35s to Ankara reflects a growing conviction in Jerusalem that Turkey is shaping up to be Israel’s principal long-term challenge.
Israel willing to assist US against Iran if Trump requests, despite no plans to join war - report
“We’ve proved that we stand with the US. I’m not sure it will be of interest to the US that Israel will join on this - but, you know, we realize that we need to stretch our muscles,” a source said.
To disarm Hezbollah, Lebanon must first dismantle its parallel state - analysis
Why disarming the weapons without dismantling the parallel state will remain an illusion
US imposes new Tehran-tied sanctions as Qatari mediators visit Iran to deescalate regional tensions
Iran reportedly rehabilitating damaged nuclear sites • US, Iran technical teams to reportedly meet in Pakistan on Saturday • Saudi crown prince speaks to Trump on issues involving Iran, Hormuz
Haredi leadership and Netanyahu are facing the same dilemma - opinion
Haredi leadership is throwing everything at the wall: a Basic Law, road-blocking protests organized by the party, voting boycotts in the Knesset – anything to convince their base they can deliver
Trump floats Syrian re-entry into Lebanon, reviving decades of trauma
US President Donald Trump’s suggestion that Damascus return to confront Hezbollah has reopened old wounds, exposing deep fears that one foreign occupier could simply replace another
A new Middle East begins on the Israel-Lebanon border
"Israel and Lebanon are capable of moving from forced coexistence to good-neighborliness based on mutual respect, security, economic partnership, scientific cooperation, and cultural exchange."
