Middle East

UAE calls for U.N. meeting after Israeli minister's visit to Al-Aqsa Mosque compound

10:21am January 05, 2023

by Aya Batrawy

The United Arab Emirates is calling for a U.N. Security Council meeting. A far-right Israeli minister visited the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, a move criticized by Arab states that have ties with Israel.

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World News

An Israeli far-right leader's Al-Aqsa visit sparks outrage and calls for U.N. meeting

2:26pm January 04, 2023

by Daniel Estrin

Israel is lobbying against calls for an urgent session of the U.N. Security Council, following Tuesday's visit by far-right national security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir to a sensitive holy site.

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Zar Amir Ebrahimi and Arash Ashtiani as Rahimi and Sharifi in Holy Spider.

A man killed women he deemed 'immoral' — an Iranian film fictionalizes the story

7:00am January 04, 2023

by Diba Mohtasham

The real-life "Spider Killer" murdered 16 women in Iran between 2000 and 2001. The case inspired Holy Spider, which has resonated abroad during a time of amplified state violence in Iran.

Criticism has followed Israel's new security minister's visit to Jerusalem site

6:42pm January 03, 2023

by Daniel Estrin

It didn't take long for Israel's most controversial new cabinet minister to touch off international reaction with a visit to Jerusalem's most sensitive religious site.

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U.S. responds cautiously to Netanyahu's return as Israel's prime minister

7:59am December 31, 2022

by Daniel Estrin

President Biden says he looks forward to working with re-elected Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, despite nationalists in his government that have many concerned, including Palestinians.

Cristiano Ronaldo smiles before the start of Manchester United's match against Sheriff at Old Trafford in Manchester, England, on Oct. 27.

Cristiano Ronaldo signs with a Saudi soccer club

5:52pm December 30, 2022

by The Associated Press

The announcement, a groundbreaking deal for Middle Eastern soccer, ends speculation about where he would go next. Ronaldo became a free agent after his contract was terminated by Manchester United.

New father Yappe Pako gets help with his kangaroo care carrier from a midwife. His newborn son is named Ambo Crisostome. They're in the kangaroo care ward at the University Hospital Medical Center at Treichville in the Ivory Coast. A new program teaches the technique to moms and dads. It's especially beneficial for preterm and low birthweight babies.

Editors' picks: Our best global photos of 2022 range from heart-rending to hopeful

6:54am December 30, 2022

by Marc Silver

The eye of the camera told the stories of kangaroo care for human babies, Angola's intrepid female de-miners, Ukrainian refugees who find a warm — and familiar — welcome in Brazil and more.

Morning news brief

6:37am December 29, 2022

by Steve Inskeep

N.Y. Rep.-elect George Santos is being investigated for lying about his past. Ukrainians prepare for a renewed offensive by Russian forces. A new far-right government is sworn in Thursday in Israel.

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Israel is swearing in a new hard-line government on Thursday

5:10am December 29, 2022

A government stocked with far-right nationalists takes office in Israel as part of former Prime Minister Netanyahu's return to power. It's expected be most right-wing government in Israel's history.

Benjamin Netanyahu, former Israeli Prime Minister and the head of Likud party, speaks to his supporters after first exit poll results for the Israeli Parliamentary election at his party's headquarters in Jerusalem on Nov. 2, 2022.

World News

Benjamin Netanyahu's new Israeli government will make West Bank expansion a priority

4:07am December 29, 2022

by The Associated Press

The incoming Israeli ruling coalition agreements will make it the country's most religious and right-wing government in history, potentially putting it at odds with large parts of the Israeli public.