Matthew Bell
Sorting Through a Year of Tumult in the Mideast
It’s been a tumultuous year in the Arab world as citizens from Syria to Libya struggle to shake off the binds of authoritarian rule. We asked The World’s Middle East correspondent Matthew Bell to page back through his notes, looking for standout moments in 2012 and suggest what to keep an eye on in the year ahead.
Syrian War Refugees Face Problems in Jordan
More Syrians are trying to leave their war-torn nation. Many head for neighboring Jordan, but as The World’s Matthew Bell discovered not all are welcome. The Jordanian authorities try to turn away Syrians with Palestinian IDs.
Catholics Praying in Hebrew in the Holy Land
Jesus was, of course, Jewish. And he spoke the language of the bible, Aramaic. Both Arabic and Hebrew stem from the same linguistic family. But until now, Hebrew has never really been used to worship the New Testament. The World’s Matthew Bell visits a community of Hebrew-speaking Catholics in the Holy Land.
Life Getting Worse for Egypt’s Poor
Egyptians voted on ratifying their new constitution over the weekend. It’s being billed as a bold step in democratic reform. But Egypt’s poor are being left out of the process, as The World’s Matthew Bell reports from Cairo, that’s especially true for the poorest Egyptians.
Egypt’s Controversial Referendum Continues to Fan Political Crisis
On the eve of a referendum on a controversial new constitution for Egypt, tensions are high across the country. There have been reported skirmishes between Islamists and opposition protesters, and President Mohamed Morsi has enlisted Egypt’s military and police to help with security during Saturday’s voting.
Ugly Political Violence in Egypt
The New York Times reports that Islamist supporters of Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi captured, detained and beat dozens of his political opponents last week.
Egyptian General Calls Rival Parties Together for Talks, Opposition Unlikely to Attend
Egypt’s defense minister Tuesday called for a “national dialogue” to be held among the country’s warring political parties.
Egypt President Morsi and Opposition Show No Signs of Backing Down
A national referendum on Egypt’s controversial draft constitution is set for Saturday. Opposition leaders reject the referendum and are calling for big demonstrations on Tuesday.
Egypt Opposition Rejects Morsi Call for Dialogue
There were more protests on Friday against Egyptian president Mohammed Morsi, as the opposition is rejecting his call for a dialogue. Anchor Marco Werman speaks with The World’s Matthew Bell in Cairo.
Israel Goes It Alone
What’s the big deal with putting Jewish settlements in the 12.5 square-kilometer tract of hills east of Jerusalem called “E-1″?
Is Israel Becoming More Isolated Over Settlements?
In response to Palestine’s political victory at the United Nations last week, Israel has announced plans for the expansion of Jewish settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem neighborhoods. The international condemnation of those plans has been swift and sharp. Some fear Israel is becoming more and more isolated diplomatically.
Palestinians Bid for UN Status
The votes are lining up for and against a Palestinian bid to upgrade their status at the United Nations. Palestinian officials hope the move will bring them new global recognition, and a possible legal weapon against Israeli settlement expansion.
People in Southern Israel Cautiously Optimistic About Gaza Ceasefire
The World’s Matthew Bell visited the southern Israeli city of Beersheba to see how people feel a day after the declaration of a ceasefire with Hamas. He says most believe it was the right thing to do but they don’t think it will hold for very long.
Bomb Blast Hits Tel Aviv Bus
At least twenty-one people have been injured in a terrorist attack on a bus in Israel’s commercial capital Tel Aviv, Israeli officials say. The bus bomb was the first terror attack there in years.
Gaza Conflict Increases Support for Hamas in West Bank
The fighting in Gaza has fueled an increase in support for Hamas in the West Bank, where the rival Palestinian Authority is in charge. The World’s Matthew Bell reports from the West Bank on what that means for the long-standing divisions among Palestinians.
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