In a Worldfocus signature story, we turn to the issue of animal rights. While such protections are well-established in the U.S., in many parts of the world, they are all but nonexistent. Special correspondent Kristen Gillespie looks at an unusual effort in Jordan, where an unlikely champion of animal rights is trying to end widespread abuse and help her canine friends.

Jordanian blogger Naseem Tarawnah writes about the suicide bombing that killed seven C.I.A. members in Afghanistan this week and its impact on Jordanians. He argues that the Jordanian government will find it difficult to contain the damage from the connection to the C.I.A.

When it comes to smoking, the hookah -- or water pipe -- is a common sight throughout most of the Arab world. The pipes are often shared by many smokers, but health officials in Jordan, worried about the spread of swine flu, are now offering smokers what they say is a healthier choice.

Pope Benedict XVI has begun a visit to the Middle East that is being viewed in part as a mission to mend fences with Muslims and Jews after comments that have angered both groups. Nihad Awad of the Council on American-Islamic Relations discusses the importance of the trip.

Raeda al Nanaa joins other Jordanian women who are entering the workforce and supporting their families.