Washington

Voices from the Arab press: China’s role, medicine’s lessons, and the future of Iran talks

A weekly selection of opinions and analyses from the Arab media around the world.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping pose at Beijing’s Great Hall of the People, May 20.
FILE PHOTO: A worker walks in front of the recently renamed Donald J. Trump and John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts, in Washington, D.C., U.S., December 29, 2025.

Kennedy Center orders staff to remove Trump's name from building following federal decision

Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem Theophilos III takes part in Holy Thursday ceremonies at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem's Old City, on April 9, 2026.

Patriarch Theophilos III, Trump to discuss protection of Christians, freedom of worship

IRGC Quds Force chief Esmail Qaani pictured in Tehran, Iran, February 17, 2026; illustrative.

Iran’s Quds Force chief Qaani demands Israel withdraw from Lebanon amid US-brokered deal


CIA knows Iran's real power center while Washington pretends otherwise - opinion

Now, after 47 years, the CIA, in coordination with Mossad, may have assumed responsibility for a campaign against the Islamic Republic in pursuit of what many describe as a “new Middle East.”

An illustration of the CIA and Iranian flags.

Diplomacy funded by illusions: Trump's deal with Iran must be more than promises - editorial

A narrow agreement that freezes one file while funding the rest of the system would create the illusion of progress and the reality of danger.

US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hold a press conference after meeting at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach, Florida, US, December 29, 2025.

Hezbollah chief downplays calls to disarm terror group, praises success of FPV drone attacks

Qassem also rejected Israel-Lebanon talks, criticized the Beirut gov't and US sanctions, defended al-Qard al-Hassan, voiced support for Iran and Gaza, and denounced Bahrain's IRGC clampdown.

A person riding a scooter carries a flag with an image depicting Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem, as displaced people make their way to return to their homes after a 10-day ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel went into effect, at the southern suburbs of Beirut, Lebanon.

Trump cancels trip to son's wedding, returns to Washington amid key moment on Iran negotiations

Trump said that he "very much wanted to be with my son, Don Jr.," but couldn't because of undisclosed circumstances that required him to stay in the White House.

US President Donald Trump speaks to the press aboard Air Force One enroute to the U.S. following his official visit with President Xi Jinping in China, May 15, 2026.

Trump reveals new details of bunker-like ballroom with drone base

US President Donald Trump revealed details about his six-story bunker-like subterranean ballroom, arguing that it is necessary due to a recent assassination attempt at a Washington hotel.

US President Donald Trump speaks at the site of ongoing construction of the planned White House ballroom in Washington, DC, US, May 19, 2026.

US Vice President JD Vance says 'a lot of progress' made in Iran talks

Vance said he had just spoken to Trump, who stressed that the core issue for the US is that Iran can never have a nuclear weapon.

US VICE President JD Vance speaks during a press briefing at the White House in Washington, DC, US, May 19, 2026.

Orthodox rabbi at Washington faith rally says antisemitism is ‘utterly un-American’

“And it is a reminder, as hatred of Jews makes itself manifest again, that antisemitism is utterly un-American.” said Rabbi Meir Soloveichik.

Rabbi Meir Soloveitchik speaks at the "Rededicate 250" prayer rally on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., May 17, 2026

Thousands gather on National Mall for Trump-backed 'Rededicate 250' national prayer event

The day-long, faith-focused rally transformed the historic space into a venue for prayer and national reflection.

U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) leads a prayer at the Rededicate 250: A National Jubilee of Prayer, Praise & Thanksgiving at the National Mall in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 17, 2026.

Iran regime 'incapable of change' post-war, expert says

Khosro Isfahani examines Iran’s divided opposition, the IRGC’s growing grip on power, and the reach of Tehran’s influence networks abroad.

Iran’s new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, the second son of late Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, attends a meeting in Tehran, Iran, March 2, 2016.

Trump to hold 'National Jubilee of Prayer,' raising concerns about separation of church and state

The event, led by evangelical faith leaders and Trump Administration officials, will celebrate 250 years of American independence.

US President Donald Trump looks on during a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping (not pictured) on the sidelines of a visit to Zhongnanhai Garden on May 15, 2026 in Beijing, China.