Middle East
Middle East news from the Voice of America. Coverage of Turkey, Iran, Syria, Bahrain, and Egypt.
Lebanon’s New Government to End Subsidies as Economy Spirals
Analysts say they expect Lebanon’s newly formed government to end subsidies to basic commodities like fuel by the end of this month. To replace a bloated system of subsidies, the state has offered cash cards to the most vulnerable, but in a country where the U.N, says 78% of people…
Palestinians Meet Israeli Economic Goodwill Gestures with Skepticism
Last month, U.S. President Joe Biden called on Israel’s new leaders to take confidence-building steps to improve the lives of Palestinians, prompting Israeli officials to announce a package that includes 120 million dollars in loans and 16,000 Israeli work permits for Palestinians. But as Linda Gradstein reports for VOA from…
Lebanon Struggling with a Water Emergency
The U.N. children’s agency, UNICEF, has warned that more than 4 million people in Lebanon – many of them children -- could face a critical shortage of water in the coming days. The water crisis comes on top of a fuel crisis and a plummeting currency as Lebanon’s economy collapses…
Hezbollah Seeks to Capitalize on Lebanon’s Energy Crisis
The latest sign of the economic collapse afflicting Lebanon is a fuel crisis that has paralyzed the country. Now, the militant group Hezbollah says it will import fuel from Iran, a move that could bring more trouble than it relieves. Jacob Russell reports from Beirut.Produced by: Jon Spier Camera : Jacob Russell
Syrian Kurds Say Two Towns Attacked by Turkey
Kurdish forces in Syria said two towns under their control have been bombarded by Turkish military and allied Syrian militias, killing six people, including two civilians, and wounding more than a dozen others. VOA’s Zana Omer reports from Tell Tamer, Syria, in this story narrated by Sirwan Kajjo.Producer and camera:…
Egyptian Opposition TV Stations Based in Istanbul Face Uncertain Future
Several Egyptian opposition television stations are based in Istanbul, where they broadcast programming critical of Egypt's government led by Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. Turkey was a strong supporter of deposed Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi, but with Turkish-Egyptian rapprochement efforts underway, the opposition TV channels face an uncertain future. Dorian Jones reports…
Iraqi Refugees Concerned About Increasing Violence at Syria's al-Hol Camp
Iraqi refugees at the al-Hol camp in northeast Syria are voicing concerns about growing violence inside the camp following the weekend slaying of yet another Iraqi by suspected Islamic State militants. The camp hosts tens of thousands of people, including families of Islamic State foreign fighters. VOA's Zana Omer filed…
Iraqi Kurdish Family Turns Home into Animal Shelter
In the northern Iraqi city of Sulaymaniyah, a family has turned their home into a shelter for wounded and abused animals. Dilshad Anwar reports from Iraq.
A Year After Port Explosion, Beirut Neighborhood Still Struggles
It was a year ago that a massive explosion at the port of Beirut left many parts of the historic city in ruins. Reporter Anchal Vohra was among the injured that day. She returned to the scene of the devastation to see how her neighbors are rebuilding their lives and has this…
One Year On, Beirut Explosion Seem as Symbol of Defeat and Resistance
One year after the devastating explosion in the port of Beirut little progress has been made in the investigation and no accountability has been assigned. As Lebanon flounders under multiple crises, the blast has become a symbol of both defeat and resistance. For VOA, Jacob Russell reports from Beirut
7 Years After Islamic State Genocide, Yazidi Still Seeking Justice
Yazidis in Iraq and around the world are commemorating the 7th anniversary of a massacre carried out by the Islamic State group against members of the religious minority in the Iraqi town of Sinjar. Yazidi survivors and activists say the international community must prioritize justice for their community. VOA’s Dakhil Elias filed this report,…
16 Years in Office, Abbas Faces Wave of Palestinian Protests
There have been growing protests against the Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, sparked by the death of Abbas critic Nizar Banat while in Palestinian police custody. The demonstrators are also angry that the 85-year-old Abbas recently cancelled long-overdue Palestinian elections. Abbas critics say they will continue the protests until new elections are called. Linda Gradstein reports for VOA from Hebron in the…
Women-Only Village for Widows Welcomes Domestic Violence Victims in Syria
There is a women-only village in northern Syria's Rojava region, where widowed families live. Due to an increase in domestic violence in the area, village leaders are now also welcoming victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. VOA's Zana Omar brings us this story from northeastern Syria, in this report…
Israel Warns Against New Iran Nuclear Deal
President Joe Biden this week assured visiting Israeli President Reuven Rivlin that the U.S. will not allow Iran to become a nuclear power. Despite the assurances, many Israelis are skeptical. As the U.S. seeks to rejoin the Iran nuclear deal, Israeli analysts say Iran is moving closer to a nuclear…
Opposition Accuses Turkish Government of Stoking Political Tensions after Fatal Shooting
A fatal attack by a gunman on a provincial office of Turkey’s pro-Kurdish party is stoking fears of growing political violence against opposition parties. For VOA, Dorian Jones report from Istanbul.Produced by: Rod James
Iran's New President: What the World Can Expect from Ebrahim Raisi
Iran's newly elected president has reiterated support for the 2015 nuclear deal and promised to stabilize relations with Arab neighbors in the Gulf region. Henry Ridgwell reports on what the world can expect from President-elect Ebrahim Raisi.Camera: Henry Ridgwell Produced by: Adam Greenbaum
A Syrian Internally Displaced Health Worker Continues Helping Others Inside Refugee Camp
During the Turkish incursion into Syria in October of 2019, hundreds of thousands of Syrians were internally displaced to various refugee camps. VOA’s Newroz Resho brings us the story of a displaced health worker who now lives and serves in a Syrian refugee camp. Bezhan Hamdard narrates.Camera: Newroz Resho Produced by: Newroz Resho
Volunteers Work to Increase Urban Green Space in Iraqi Kurdistan Region
A group of volunteers in the Iraqi city of Sulaymaniyah is planting trees to provide a healthier environment for the local community. VOA’s Rebaz Majeed has this report narrated by Bezhan Hamdard
Iran Prepares for Presidential Election Amid Economic Crisis, Nuclear Tensions
Iranians go to the polls Friday to choose a new president. But with international monitors banned, critics say the election will be far from free or fair — and as Henry Ridgwell reports, public discontent could lead to a low voter turnout.Producers: Henry Ridgwell, Rob Raffaele. Camera: Henry Ridgwell.
As Economy Sinks, Lebanon’s Farmers Turning to Growing Cannabis
Economic troubles have prompted cash-strapped farmers in Lebanon’s Bekaa valley to increasingly turn to cannabis cultivation. For VOA, Jacob Russell has this report from eastern Lebanon.Camera: Jacob Russell Produced by: Marcus Harton