Middle East

Ex-CIA official pushes to declassify aspects of Khashoggi report

The issue of declassifying intelligence assessments is also a hot one in Israel, particularly whenever the defense establishment is viewed as having underestimated a threat.

Lebanon’s president concerned Hezbollah’s tunnels hogs media attention

He indicated that the US had conveyed a message to Lebanon that Israel had no “aggressive intensions,” according to reports.

Saudi Arabia seeks new political bloc in strategic Red Sea region

Representatives from Egypt, Djibouti, Somalia, Sudan, Yemen and Jordan gathered in Riyadh on Wednesday to discuss the initiative without reaching final agreement.

Pompeo says CIA still investigating killing of Khashoggi

Nikki Haley, the outgoing US ambassador to the United Nations, told NBC News earlier that the administration needed to figure out a path forward with the Saudis.

Poisoned animals caught in Palestinian bureaucratic net

Municipalities in the West Bank have reportedly been using poisoned meat to kill hundreds of stray dogs.

U.N. watchdog calls on Saudi Arabia to release activists, cease torture

Saudi Arabia should "acknowledge, in law and in practice, the legitimacy of peaceful criticism and advocacy," it said.

Khamenei warns Iranians of U.S. plots: 'Everyone should be vigilant'

"But we are stronger than them and they will fail as they have in the past," Khamenei said.

Turkey to begin operation in Syria, complicating U.S. fight against ISIS

"This step will allow for the path to a political solution to be opened and for healthier cooperation," Erdogan said.

Will FATF pressure Iran in February post Israeli membership?

Iran already has problems with the FATF with it being singled out along with North Korea for a line of negative public statements in recent years and as a high-risk jurisdiction.

U.S. reaches out to Turkey to discuss eastern Syria

The US appears to be putting the pressure on to try to assuage Turkey’s concerns.

Egyptian lawyer detained after wearing yellow vest

In the crackdown since Sisi's 2014 election, thousands of his opponents and critics as well as alleged Islamist militants and secular rights activists have been arrested.

U.N. claims two missile launchers found in Yemen appear to be from Iran

Two launch units for anti-tank guided missiles recovered by a Saudi-led military coalition in Yemen appear to have been manufactured in Iran.

Palestinians: Qatar seeking to establish Palestinian state in Gaza

Palestinian officials on Tuesday accused Qatar of working toward establishing a “separate Palestinian state."

When Hamas takes center stage in realm of world opinion

Although the UN General Assembly vote condemning Hamas did not pass, all sides have chalked it up as a victory.

Lebanese's Aoun intervenes in stalled efforts to form new unity government

"The risks are greater than we can bear," he said, in an apparent reference to difficulties facing the heavily indebted Lebanese economy.

Iran says it recently tested a ballistic missile

Iran carries out up to 50 missile tests a year, Amirali Hajizadeh, head of the Revolutionary Guards' airspace division said.

U.S. Energy Secretary discussed Iran sanctions with Iraqi officials

The United States has restored sanctions targeting Iran's oil industry as well as its banking and transport industry.

American influence over Syrian peace process waning

“However, it’s not a zero-sum game. Turkey will remain aligned to the US in global matters but regionally it will be aligned to Russia on issues related to Syria."

Lebanon claims it foiled attacks on holy places and army positions

Lebanon foiled a plot by militants based in Syria to carry out two attacks this year against places of worship and Lebanese army positions.

Iraqis celebrate one year since victory over ISIS

Some demand more reconstruction investment, IDPs want to return home, while Kurds wonder what comes next.

What were Khashoggi's last words before Saudi agents murdered him?

Turkish sources told Reuters a bone saw was used to dismember the journalist.

Kuwait blocks work permits for Tunisian and Lebanese women lacking male guardian

Kuwait had already imposed this requirement on Lebanese women, though only the latter require a security clearance.

Syria state media removes Damascus air strike report, situation unknown

The alleged “airstrike” that apparently did not take place was first reported around 9:30pm.

French Minister refuses to grant award to Palestinian NGO with terror ties

Hotovely laments that Al-Haq and B’Tselem still expected to receive French human rights prize

Iran jails 30 for corruption after public outcry for economic crimes

Many of the men were also fined, sentenced to lashes and had the "ill-gotten" part of their assets seized, Ejei said.