The toll of ISIS's archaeological looting in Syria is just beginning to become clear
The legacy of Syrian wartime looting can’t just be measured in the dollar value of the stolen artifacts. It’s a loss of culture and of historical knowledge.
Middle East
For Iranians, economic crisis looms larger than US tensions
Most say they believe a war will not come to the region, and think Iran should try to talk to the U.S. to help its anemic economy.
Russia says Syrian forces are holding their fire in Idlib
Opposition activists report continued shelling, airstrikes in the last rebel-held stronghold in Syria.
Bomb hits tourist bus near Egypt's Giza Pyramids, at least 17 wounded
Blast detonates near new museum being built nearby Egypt's famed pyramids, most of the wounded are foreign nationals, sources report.
Report: Israel will not join war with Iran unless attacked
Israeli officials reportedly shared with Trump administration classified information on Iran's missile program during a recent visit to Washington, Independent Arabia reports. Talks meant to coordinate joint posture on Iran and prepare for possible escalation.
Saudi Arabia says it wants to avert war, tells Iran 'ball is now in its court'
Saudi Arabia's King Salman invites Gulf and Arab leaders to convene emergency summits in Mecca on May 30. Top Iranian general: We are in a "full-fledged intelligence war with the U.S." Bahrain orders its citizens out of Iran, Iraq. Exxon Mobil evacuates foreign staff from Iraqi oilfield.
Israel stays silent after Syrian reports of additional attacks
The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reports three explosions southwest of capital Friday. Syria claims it prevented another "hostile attack" on Saturday evening. Strikes may have targeted positions and storage sites for Iranian and Lebanon's Hezbollah forces.
Report: Iran's top general tells militias to 'prepare for proxy war'
As tensions continue to soar between Tehran and Washington, Quds Force commander Qassem Soleimani reportedly meets with Iranian-backed militias in Iraq in what one source says "wasn't far off" from a call to arms. Meeting said to be key factor in U.S. decision recall government staff from Iraq over "imminent threat."
5 Egyptian soldiers, dozens of terrorists reportedly killed in Sinai clashes
Egypt says scores of terrorist hideouts and large amounts of ammunition and bombs have been uncovered. Bombs were safely detonated by Egyptian forces, military spokesman says.
UK doctors launch guide for Syrian medics battling to save children's lives
In Syria, nearly three times as many children as adult combatants have died from explosives. Aid group Syria Relief plans to expand distribution of handbook to Yemen, Afghanistan, and Iraq.