How a Line on a Map Fanned the Flames of a Middle Eastern Conflict
For centuries, Ghajar was a poor, remote village in the Ottoman Empire. But after World War I, French colonial cartographers drew a line on a map that had long-term implications for the villagers. Today, they live in political limbo, their village claimed by Syria and divided between Lebanon and Israel.
Islamism Is Still Thriving in Idlib
As she prepared to return to Idlib province after several years in exile, the author was hopeful that the Islamist rule over her hometown might have been relaxed — but what she found made her question if she would return again.
How De-Banking Became a Conservative Rallying Cry
Without cause or recourse, banks in the U.S. and abroad abruptly close individual, business and nonprofit accounts. To hear conservatives tell it, de-banking is part of a culture war against the right. But the truth is that it threatens Americans across the political spectrum.
Sami Michael Broke New Ground by Centering Arabs in His Hebrew Novels
The novelist Sami Michael died last year aged 97. Born and raised in Baghdad, he introduced characters previously marginalized or omitted in Hebrew literature: immigrants, Mizrahim, women and especially Arabs. His portrayals are sympathetic but unsparing, and his writing tackled issues central to Israeli society that were previously cloaked in silence.
Sectarian Violence Simmers in Homs
The Syrian city of Homs is plagued by kidnappings and killings. The victims are largely members of the Alawite minority, and the motives appear to be sectarian. The situation remains volatile, with little transparency from the authorities and ongoing fear among residents.