Baghdad bridal market booms as child brides as young as 10 sold on black market
Iraq’s decision to introduce the Ja’fari law in January means that girls can be married based on perceived “maturity and physical capacity.”
Middle East
Mossad spurs Iran protests, says agents with demonstrators in Farsi message
Protests erupt across Iran as collapsing rial sparks unrest, regime blames 'enemy' influence
In first message from new spokesperson, Hamas admits death of Abu Obeida, Mohammed Sinwar
Three policemen, six Islamic State terrorists killed in northwest Turkey clashes
Turkish police last week detained 115 suspected Islamic State members, they said, who were planning to carry out attacks on Christmas and New Year celebrations in the country.
Syria opens criminal investigation into Assad-era mass grave revealed by Reuters
The site, in the Dhumair desert east of Damascus, was used during Assad’s rule as a military weapons depot, according to a former Syrian army officer with knowledge of the operation.
Saudi Arabia increasingly concerned about political instability in Yemen - analysis
The Southern Transition Council (STC) is seen as being backed by the UAE. Although the UAE and Saudi Arabia share many regional interests, they do not always agree on Yemen.
Iraqi Sunnis divided over upcoming vote for parliament speaker
Iraq’s top leadership is divided along sectarian lines, with the president being Kurdish and the prime minister usually a Shi’ite. The lower-level speaker of parliament's role goes to Sunnis.
Israeli presence in Somaliland will be considered a 'military target,' Houthi leader warns
The Houthis’ leader also accused Israel of aiming for the “further disintegration and fragmentation of other countries,” and demanded that all of Yemen act against Israel.
Three killed as Alawite protest in Syria’s Latakia turns violent
Three people were killed and more than 40 were wounded after gunfire erupted during an Alawite protest in Syria’s Latakia province, as demonstrators called for federalism and prisoner releases.
Hezbollah chief Qassem denounces Beirut's inaction following alleged kidnapping of Ahmad Shukr
Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem accused Lebanon of inaction over the reported kidnapping of former officer Ahmad Shukr and reiterated Hezbollah’s refusal to disarm.
Jordan carries out airstrikes in Syria, signaling frustration over border security - analysis
Two rounds of Jordanian airstrikes hit smuggling targets in southern Syria, underscoring Amman’s demand for stronger action against drug gangs operating near its border.
Iran launches new satellites in show of defiance ahead of Netanyahu-Trump meeting
Prior to the June war, Tehran had managed numerous satellite launches in recent years, some on its own, and some in conjunction with Moscow.
Mosque bombing in Homs during prayers leaves eight dead, dozens wounded
Hours after the explosion, an armed group known as Saraya Ansar al-Sunnah claimed responsibility through an official statement.
