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


From the south to Washington: Minkowski’s anemone dress set to conquer an international stage

Designer Yaron Minkowski was selected to present a work inspired by October 7 at an international exhibition in Washington with designers from 50 countries, conveying memory, pain, and hope.

“The Anemone Dress” by Yaron Minkowski.

Cuba begins releasing prisoners under scrutiny of rights groups, US government

The decision to release the prisoners on the island comes after Washington's most intense pressure campaign in decades, although Havana denies any decision-making under US coercion.

Regla Yolanda Gonzalez poses for a photograph following her son's release from prison, part of a deal brokered by the Vatican that saw the Biden administration loosen sanctions on Cuba, in Havana, Cuba January 21, 2025.

White House ballroom project to include 'massive' military complex

On Sunday, Trump showed reporters aboard Air Force One a large rendering of the new building, which will replace the East Wing.

U.S. President Donald Trump displays a rendering of his proposed $250 million White House ballroom as he meets with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in the Oval Office of the White House on October 22, 2025 in Washington, DC.

'No Kings' protests sweep US as critics slam Donald Trump deportations, Iran war

More than 3,200 events had been planned in all 50 states, after the two previous nationwide events attracted millions of participants.

Police officers clear the street outside a federal building after a "No Kings" protest against U.S. President Donald Trump's administration policies, in Los Angeles, California, US March 28, 2026.

Simcha Rothman: Why ‘aid to Israel’ is a myth - opinion

Call it what it functionally is: a US-Israel security exchange, a strategic defense partnership, or an allied capability investment.

A still image released by US Central Command (CENTCOM), which accompanied a press release describing the operation dubbed "Epic Fury", an attack by the United States and Israel on Iran, shows a rocket launch from a ship, in this picture obtained from social media released on February 28, 2026.

Why the US and Israel need a serious reset before Iran talks go any further - opinion

The US-Israel alliance faces a critical moment as Iran talks test shared interests, expectations, and long-term strategic alignment.

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.

UAE willing to join international force to reopen Strait of Hormuz - report

The UAE plans to deploy its navy in a multinational task force to secure the Strait of Hormuz and protect global shipping from Iranian attacks.

A UAE navy soldier patrols at Al-Mokha port in Yemen, March 6, 2018; illustrative.

G7 foreign ministers meet in France amid Iran, Ukraine wars, economic strain, US policy unease

The two-day gathering at the restored 12th-century Abbaye des Vaux-de-Cernay, about 40 km (25 miles) southwest of Paris, brings together ministers from the G7.

French President Emmanuel Macron chairs a video conference of G7 leaders to discuss the fallout of the war in Iran on the world economy, amid the US-Israeli war on Iran, at the Elysee Palace in Paris on March 11, 2026.

Low chance for US-Iran deal, but Trump 'can always surprise us,' Israeli officials tell 'Post'

Israeli officials say a US-Iran deal remains unlikely, but fear President Donald Trump could still declare a temporary ceasefire as talks continue.

US President Donald Trump speaks to the media before departing West Palm Beach aboard Air Force One, Florida, US, March 23, 2026

Drone from Russia enters Estonia, hits power station as others cross into Latvia

There were no reports of injuries or damage to the power station, Estonian authorities said.

A part of a Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicle, which according to the Latvian National Armed Forces, flew into Latvian airspace and crashed in Kraslavas region, Latvia, in this handout image obtained by Reuters on March 25, 2026.