Middle East

Obama vetoes Sept. 11 Saudi bill; says would hurt national security

Obama said other countries could use the law as an excuse to sue US diplomats, service members or companies.

US Congress denounces 'ransom' payments to Iran in new bill

The Washington Post called the bill "a rebuke of the Obama administration's decision to send Tehran what Republicans charge was a 'ransom' on the same day American prisoners were released."

The great Syrian game

Despite the abrupt collapse of its latest cease-fire, the Syrian war’s aftermath is beginning to take shape.

Rouhani: Zionists pressuring US to violate Iran nuclear deal

Speaking at UN General Assembly debate, Iranian president attacks Israel over "web of apartheid politics and atrocities."

Top EU court advisor: Drop Hamas from bloc's terror blacklist

“The council cannot rely on facts and evidence found in press articles and information from the internet,” European Court of Justice advocate-general charges.

Biking against the ban: Iranian women defy female cycling fatwa

Women in Iran risk prosecution if caught contravening the ban, which was issued by ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Did ISIS use chemical weapons in rocket strike near US troops in Iraq?

US military testing to see if chemical agent used in attack; no American forces injured.

Obama threatens to veto two Iran-related bills

"It’s not surprising to hear the administration has once again made a political decision to appease Iran at the expense of our national security," said Congressman Peter Roskam (R-Illinois).

Attempted stabbing at Israeli embassy in Turkey; assailant shot

Retired policeman shoots knife-wielding suspect attempting to attack security guard outside embassy in Ankara.

Iran threatens to 'turn Tel Aviv and Haifa to dust' if Israel missteps

"If the leaders of the Zionist regime make a mistake then the Islamic Republic will turn Tel Aviv and Haifa to dust," reads banner on military truck in missile parade.

Analysis: Cease-fire collapse means indefinite bloodletting in Syria

This cease-fire, agreed between the US and Russia, received its death blow Monday, when a humanitarian aid convoy was bombed west of Aleppo, killing 21 people and destroying 18 of the 21 trucks.

Americans 'unwelcome' in Gaza, warns militant chief after US terror label

Remarks come day after US designated former Hamas interior minister Fathi Hammad as an international terrorist.

Report: ISIS shoots down Syrian warplane allegedly killing pilot

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, which monitors the Syrian conflict now in its sixth year, says the pilot of the MIG Syrian warplane was killed.

Iranian Paralympic cyclist dies after crash

US-led forces strike Syrian troops, prompting emergency UN meeting

Syria's army general command said the strike was "conclusive evidence" that the US and its allies support the Islamic State jihadist organization.

Voting in Jordan: A step to democracy or a show for the regime?

"If anything, the parliamentary system has largely operated as a disservice to the people, providing no real opposition to the appointed government or state policies."

Saudi royal involved in aiding terrorists, says Guantanamo detainee

Allegations of Saudi involvement in the September 11, 2001 attacks still persists in the US despite denials by the FBI and White House.

US forces increase in Iraq for upcoming operation

Islamic State's last major city in Iraq is under threat as American forces increase ahead of planned operation.

US military says air strike killed Islamic State propaganda chief

Islamic State controls parts of Iraq and Syria and has broadcast its beheadings of journalists and aid workers over the past few years.

Will Jordan’s Muslim Brotherhood celebrate a historic success?

The Hashemite Kingdom is set to hold parliamentary elections this week.

World Bank: PA needs to boost spending efficiency

International aid to the PA has declined more than 60% over the last six years.

Saudi official warns Iran: Attack us at your own risk

"If they are preparing an army to invade us, we are not easily taken by someone who would make war on us," Prince Khaled al-Faisal warns.

Egyptian state newspaper pushes ISIS conspiracy theory

Noha Al-Sharnoubi, who writes for the Egyptian government daily Al-Ahram, says ISIS attacks carried out in order to justify "the occupation and devastation of the Middle East."

Eid al-Adha marred by religious, national factional friction

Gulf State-Israel thaw does not end demonizing the Jewish state.

Analysis: Syrian regime’s stress on military victory casts shadow over cease-fire

Along with omitting news of the ceasefire, the regime website and TV are projecting the theme of “We are winning the war and will fight on until victory.”

Haj Scams: What some Muslims will do to get to Mecca

Fake passports and drug smuggling are just two ways pilgrims attempt to carry out the Haj.

France's 'first all-female ISIS cell' allegedly sought to strike Eiffel Tower

The four-woman jihadi group's leading member was arrested last week in connection to an explosives-laden car found near another Paris landmark - the Notre Dame cathedral.

Iran's new warship warns: 'US should go to Bay of Pigs, Persian Gulf is our house'

Rear Admiral Ali Fadavi: "This ship increases the deterrent power of Iran and will have an effect on the calculations of the enemy, particularly America."

'Turkey formally requests US arrest of cleric Gulen over coup plot'

Turkey blames members of Gulen's religious movement for the failed coup two months ago.

Report: Iran threatened to shoot down US spy planes over Persian Gulf

The Iranian military reportedly warned the American planes that they posed the risk of getting shot down if they did not change course.