Avi Asher-Schapiro
The US Isn't Making Sure Its Military Aid to Egypt Stays Out of the Wrong Hands
The State Department lacks a rigorous protocol to ensure that US equipment doesn't find its way into the hands of Egyptian units flagged as human rights abusers, even as it has itself criticized Egypt's rights record.
Syrian Regime Blocks Aid Convoy and Shells Civilians Who Gathered to Receive It
A joint aid convoy idled for seven hours outside of the besieged Damascus suburb of Daraya before Syrian soldiers turned it away. Minutes later, the town was shelled.
The Taliban Is Running Amok and Killing Policemen in Afghanistan's Opium Heartland
The insurgents, who largely control the Afghan drug trade, are flush with cash and new recruits after the lucrative poppy harvest in Helmand province.
Hamas and Israel Trade Blows in Gaza During Worst Week of Violence Since 2014
While both sides say they want to maintain the peace, Israeli soldiers moved into the strip to blow up cross-border tunnels, Hamas retaliated with mortar fire, and Israel responded with tank shelling and aerial assaults.
New Yorkers Throw Away 9.3 Billion Plastic Bags Every Year — But Now They Have to Pay for Them
The New York City Council passed a bill that would require stores to charge a minimum five cent fee for plastic bags — supporters of the measure say it will help cut down on the estimated 9.3 billion plastic bags New Yorkers throw away each year.
Vice President Biden Makes a Surprise Visit to Iraq Amid Political Crisis
Biden plans to meet with senior Iraqi officials at a time when Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi's government is locked in a political stalemate, and the Iraqi army is struggling to take on the Islamic State.
Hundreds of US Cops Gather to Hear Accused Islamophobe Lecture on Islam and Terrorism
At the New York Tactical Officers Association Conference, cops are being sold military-grade gear, and given a lecture by a terrorism expert who's been called a conspiracy theorist.
Egypt's Police Are Going After the Journalists Who Linked Them to Italian Student’s Murder
It's been four days since Reuters published an expose implicating Egyptian security forces in the kidnapping, torture, and murder of Italian graduate student Giulio Regeni, and in Egypt threats against the news organization are mounting.
Bernie Sanders Suspends Jewish Outreach Director Who Wrote 'Fuck You, Bibi'
The backtracking over the appointment comes ahead of the crucial New York state primary. Sanders has been campaigning heavily in New York City, where nearly 20 percent of Democratic primary voters tend to be Jewish.
Bernie Sanders' New Jewish Outreach Director Once Wrote 'Fuck You, Bibi'
A young Jewish activist with a history of criticizing Israel has just been named Bernie Sanders' National Jewish Outreach Coordinator.
Survey Says Most Arab Youth Reject the Islamic State and Think It Will Fail
A news survey, based on 3,500 face-to-face interviews across the Arab World, charts young peoples' changing opinions on a broad array of issues, ranging from the Islamic State to the fallout from the Arab Spring.
Goldman Sachs to Pay Billions in Fines Related to the Financial Crisis, but Nobody's Going to Jail
The Department of Justice and Goldman reached a $5 billion settlement stemming from the financial titan's conduct in the lead up to the financial crisis.