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An Emirati man looks on at the port of Fujairah in the Gulf Emirate.

Social Justice

Could Attacks on Oil Tankers in the Persian Gulf Lead to Another War in the Middle East?

Tensions between the U.S. and Iran continue to escalate amid accusations that the Iranian government is behind the assaults on tankers transporting oil through the Gulf.

Noah Weisbord

Destroyed vehicles are seen in the final ISIS encampment on March 24th, 2019, in Baghouz, Syria.

News in Brief

As the U.S. Declares ISIS Defeated, Here’s a Look Back at When the Taliban Was ‘Defeated’ in 2001

Experts have already warned that the territorial defeat of the self-declared caliphate does not mean that the war is won. Afghanistan offers a warning of how ISIS could resurge.

Jack Herrera

Nahren Anweya (left) and Rabia Kazan (right), of the Middle Eastern Women's Coalition, call for the resignation of United States Representative Ilhan Omar (D-Minnesota) outside the U.S. Supreme Court in Washington, D.C., on March 6th, 2019. The same day, others held a press conference to support Omar in the midst of her controversial comments criticizing pro-Israel lawmakers for potential "allegiance" to a foreign country.

Viewfinder: The Middle Eastern Women’s Coalition Calls for Omar’s Resignation

Members of the Middle Eastern Women's Coalition call for the resignation of United States Representative Ilhan Omar (D-Minnesota) outside the U.S. Supreme Court in Washington, D.C., on March 6th, 2019.

Pacific Standard Staff

A Syrian Democratic Forces armored vehicle drives through streets near the frontline on February 10th, 2019, in Bagouz, Syria, as part of the SDF's campaign to oust ISIS fighters from the last village in eastern Syria held by the extremist group.

Viewfinder: Syrian Democratic Forces Battle ISIS

The Syrian Democratic Forces are waging a campaign to expel ISIS from the last village the extremist group holds in Syria.

Pacific Standard Staff

Social Justice

Breaking Down the Complicated Peace Talks Between the U.S. and the Taliban

Negotiations between the two parties are a stark reminder of the challenges in getting an armed movement to embrace the end of violent conflict.

Michael Semple

Burning Mensch

In a land known for war, the Midburn gathering offers a vision of peace and love.

Yardena Schwartz

Viewfinder: Clashes at the Gaza–Israel Border

Palestinians run for cover from tear gas during clashes near the border between Israel and Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza Strip on November 9th, 2018.

Pacific Standard Staff