Michael Kaplan covers breaking news for the International Business Times, with a special focus on the Middle East. He previously worked as a freelance journalist covering religion, politics and human rights in Turkey, and has also spent time in Morocco, the Palestinian West Bank, Israel, Lebanon and Jordan. His work has been published in Al Jazeera English, IRIN News, Religion News Service, the Forward and more.
The Turkish Town In ISIS’ Crosshairs
Everyday life has come to a standstill in Kilis as anger against the government, the Islamic State group and Syrian refugees has begun to boil over.
Alleged Extremist Goes On Trial In Germany
Aria Ladjedvardi, a German national of Iranian descent, is accused of having posed alongside the severed heads of victims in Syria.
British Soldiers Land In Somalia To Assist UN
The move follows a pledge by Prime Minister Cameron to double the number of U.K. troops involved in peacekeeping.
A Look Back At Past ‘Nerd Proms’
IBT has collected some of the best quotes and harshest roasts from the White House Correspondents’ Association dinners since President Barack Obama took office.
State Of Emergency In Iraq’s Capital
After penetrating Baghdad's highly fortified Green Zone, anti-government demonstrators entered Parliament and were reportedly staging a sit-in.
Protesters Storm Green Zone In Baghdad
Anti-government protesters who support Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr broke into Iraq's Parliament building, decrying a lack of reform.
Warren Buffett Holds Court At ‘Woodstock For Capitalists’
At Berkshire Hathaway's annual shareholders meeting Saturday, the billionaire investor weighed in on the election campaign, Coca-Cola, Valeant and other topics.
Activists Aim To Turn Facebook Red For Syria
The solid red profile pictures are highlighting the latest violence, particularly in Aleppo, where two medical facilities were attacked this week.
US Carrier Denied Entry To Hong Kong
The Chinese Foreign Ministry told the U.S. the ship would not be allowed to visit, as tensions in the South China Sea continue to escalate.
Former SS Guard Breaks Silence At Trial
Reinhold Hanning, 94, told a courtroom in western Germany that he had never spoken about his time as a Nazi guard in Auschwitz — not even with his family.
Journalist Who Profiled Trump’s Wife Receives Abuse
“If this is how Trump supporters swing into action, what happens when the press looks into corrupt dealings, for example, or is critical of [the candidate's] policies?” Julia Ioffe worries.
Protest At Trump Rally In California
Opponents of the GOP front-runner said they would demonstrate Thursday evening against "racism, sexism, religious, bigotry."
Federal Agents Arrest Gunman’s Brother
Thursday’s arrests in Corona, California, were not directly related to a December attack that left 14 people dead, a law enforcement official said.
Turkey Jails 2 Columnists In Charlie Hebdo Case
The decision to republish Charlie Hebdo's controversial cartoon of the Islamic Prophet Muhammad last year sparked a nationwide debate over press freedom.
How The Muslim World Views Religion In Politics
A recent Pew poll appeared to show vastly differing views toward the role of the Quran in making law.
France, Germany Propose ‘Brake’ On Turkey Visa-Free Travel
The move was seen as a way to counter domestic criticism as Europeans have grown increasingly uneasy about immigration into the continent.
Cruz Names Fiorina As His VP
Some believe selecting the former Hewlett-Packard CEO, once a popular presidential candidate, could help Cruz with women voters.
Synagogue To Convert To Mosque In France
“We all have the same God; the main thing is for this to proceed in harmony,” a Jewish leader in Marseille said recently.
North Korea Builds Replica Of South Korea's Blue House
The reclusive state is reportedly planning to blow up the half-size replica for target practice.
Latest Tally Of The Delegate Count
Trump and Clinton are both closer to their parties' nominations after five primary contests Tuesday, while Sanders faces a very uphill climb.