Middle East

White House defends Michelle Obama's uncovered hair in Saudi visit

"The attire the First Lady wore on this trip was consistent with what first ladies in the past have worn," says White House press secretary.

Oldest human skull in Middle East found in northern Israel

55,000-year-old ‘Manot Skull’ proves modern humans migrated from Africa to Europe and Asia

Liberman phones Spanish FM, says Hezbollah killed Spanish UNIFIL soldier

Liberman said Israel holds the Lebanese government responsible for any attack executed from Lebanon.

Lebanese foes of Hezbollah denounce Mt. Dov attack, fear Israeli reprisals

“Today’s development indicates that Hezbollah is more and more expanding its regional schemes against the Lebanese state,” Christian leader Samir Geagea said.

By JPOST.COM STAFF

UNIFIL peacekeeper killed near site of Israel-Lebanon crossfire

UNIFIL says working with all parties, urging "maximum restraint" to prevent further escalation.

By REUTERS

In Saudi Arabia, Michelle Obama raises eyebrows with a handshake and some hair

The first lady shocked some in the ultra-conservative country by appearing without a headscarf in front of royalty and shaking the king's hand.

Amid Golan tensions, US stresses Israel has legitimate right to self-defense

State Department warns against escalation of situation after IAF strike in retaliation for rockets launch into Golan from Syria.

By JPOST.COM STAFF,REUTERS

Iranian website threatens top Israeli officials, posts family pic of PM

Revolutionary Guards commander says the Jewish state “is making its last moves and it knows that it is nearing its end.”

On Iran, Congress plays its hand with a deadline of its own

"If there’s a framework agreement, why would there be sanctions legislation put in place?" State Department spokeswoman says.

Netanyahu: Iran denies Holocaust while it plots genocide against us

“The Jewish people will defend itself by itself against any threat. That’s what the Jewish state is all about,” PM Netanyahu says.

Vowing to respond, Iran says Israel crossed 'red lines' with Syria attack

Deputy Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian says Iran told the US that the " Zionist regime should await the consequences of their act."

By REUTERS

A White House victory as Senate retreats from Iran sanctions bill

Development marks a dramatic turn of events for a bill that, just two weeks ago, had the potential to garner 67 votes.

ISIS calls for more attacks in the West

Islamic State spokesman: “What lies ahead will be worse…and more bitter"; Czech president compares ISIS threat to Nazi one in 1930s at a Holocaust commemoration forum.

Hamas hails Greek far-left Syriza faction for election victory, opposition to 'Israeli crimes'

After two years of waiting in the wings, Tsipras and his Syriza party stormed to power in Sunday's snap election.

By JPOST.COM STAFF,REUTERS

Analysis: Khamenei holds the key to nuclear deal between Iran, West

Netanyahu's apprehensions about a bad agreement are unfounded, since it doesn't appear that Washington is showing signs of capitulating, at least not at this stage.

Israeli election not a factor in Netanyahu invitation, Boehner team tells 'JPost'

Boehner's press secretary rejects criticism that speech invitation was poorly timed, inappropriately placed.

Iran nuclear debate takes partisan shape, as Democrats resist

Democrats introduce "alternative" to Iran sanctions bill; State Department official reacts to Dermer address.

Nuclear deal will not be reached due to Iran's intransigence, senior diplomatic official says

“There has still not been a deep Iranian change regarding the concessions that can bring them to an agreement,” official says.

Kurds drive ISIS out of Kobani after 4-month struggle

"People are dancing and singing, there are fireworks. Everyone feels a huge sense of relief," says a Turkish Kurd.

By REUTERS

WATCH: Saudi Imam says Charlie Hebdo attack is only language Jews and Christians understand

Issa Assiri also claims Muslims discovered America.

Turkish court orders Facebook to block pages insulting Mohammad

Earlier this month, prosecutors launched an inquiry into a newspaper which reprinted parts of the French satirical weekly Charlie Hebdo

By REUTERS

'Israel warns Hezbollah: Don't dare attack our targets abroad'

The Arab-language newspaper 'Al-Hayat' quoted Western diplomats as saying that officials in Jerusalem sought to convey the message through indirect channels.

By JPOST.COM STAFF

Assad: Israeli strikes in Syria benefit al-Qaida

In interview with American magazine, Syrian president says "it is very clear" that Israel carries out attacks in Syria in order to back rebel forces.

By JPOST.COM STAFF

15 protesters killed on anniversary of Egyptian uprising against Mubarak

Security forces have been stamping out dissent in Egypt since then-army chief Abdel Fattah al-Sisi ousted elected president Mohamed Morsi of the Muslim Brotherhood in July 2013.

By REUTERS

Zarif and Kerry get a little too friendly for Iranian regime

Top diplomats from old adversaries strolling together in a foreign land provoked an outcry among Iranian hard-liners deeply wary of rapprochement with the "Great Satan".

By REUTERS

Rivlin praises Abdullah for bringing stability to region

Jerusalem discusses sending condolence letter to Riyadh.

Ex-Obama aide takes president to task for 'not being tough enough' with Iran

Writing for the online Politico newsmagazine, Ross argues that American allies in the region are growing more apprehensive over what they see as growing Iranian influence in the region.

By JPOST.COM STAFF

Obama, world leaders head to Saudi Arabia to offer condolences following king's death

Muslim leaders paid their respects on Friday at Abdullah's funeral in Riyadh.

By REUTERS

Analysis: Secret Israeli-Saudi ties likely to continue despite Abdullah's death

“The changes that the Middle East has experienced in recent years have created a set of joint interests between the two countries,” said Dr. Michal Yaari, an expert on Saudi foreign policy.

How politics explains the baffling Iranian response to Paris attack

Many Westerners had expected an altogether different reaction to the killings two weeks ago at the Paris weekly that had published satirical cartoons of the Prophet Mohammad.

By REUTERS