Middle East


Christmas passes peacefully in the Middle East

Iraqis visit a Christmas market set-up at the foot of the city's ancient Citadel in Arbil, the capital of Iraqi's northern autonomous Kurdish region, on Christman eve, December 24, 2025.

When faith comes under fire: How Iran’s repression of religious minorities has increased

FOR IRAN’S Christian community, the postwar crackdown has been particularly severe, with at least 50 members detained by authorities. Here, Iranian Christians take part in the New Year prayer ceremony at a church in Tehran last January.

Diplomatic effort continues to ward off 'specter of war' with Israel, Lebanon's Aoun says

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun attends a joint press conference with French President Emmanuel Macron, at the Elysee Palace in Paris, France, March 28, 2025.