Middle East

Israeli strikes in Syria reveal new battlefield for post-civil war era

As Israel continues to strike at Iran more publicly the Syrian conflict enters a new phase.

Anti-Assad activist hacked to death in Germany

The mass-circulation daily Bild reported that an acquaintance of the victim told the publication that Joune was "likely murdered because of his political activities" against Assad.

Germany bans Iranian terror-linked airline after U.S. pressure

The United States imposed sanctions on Mahan Air in 2011, saying it provided financial and other support to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards.

U.S. forces at Syria checkpoint rammed by suicide bomber

The coalition said a convoy with allied Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) was involved in an attack, but there were no American casualties.

Qatar invests $500 m in Lebanese bonds to bolster economy

Lebanon has one of the world's highest levels of public debt compared to GDP and stagnant growth.

Palestinians renounce all bilateral U.S. funds, including for security

It ties American financial assistance to the Palestinians to the issue of legal jurisdiction within the US.

Iran says it has a new tank that equals the best in the world

According to Iran’s Tasnim news agency a tank dubbed the Karrar (striker) that was initially announced in 2017 is based on models going back to the 1970s.

U.S., Lebanon open talks on fate of Jewish-American captive

Colin Emery was allegedly captured by Hezbollah forces after he managed to cross from Israel to Lebanon. The Lebanese army confirmed that they have him in custody.

PA official apologies for saying Israeli collaborator led social protests

Afghan Taliban refuse to hold talks with U.S. in Pakistan

"We have made it clear again and again that we would never hold any meeting with the Afghan government as we know that they are not capable of addressing our demands."

Will Lebanon's economy collapse?

With a debt larger than the country's GDP, questions about Lebanese financial stability increase.

Turkish opposition challenges electoral list containing 165-year-old voter

"This is not a normal, fair election, in which everyone is in an equal race," said a Turkish parliamentarian.

Report: U.S. will not intervene if IDF attacks Shi'ite militias in Iraq

Iraq's Prime Minister expressed his fear about the possible move and told Secretary Mike Pompeo that if this were to happen, it will have dire and dangerous consequences for the region.

Voices from the Arab press: Qatar's exit from OPEC

Also: U.S.-India relations on the rise, Saudi Arabia introduces philosophy to university curriculum, and a view of Trump's middle east policies.

From Nairobi to Manbij: Terror attacks loom large

Extremist groups have not been defeated and the road to a world after ISIS and in which terror has been reduced is still long and difficult.

Iran says it will be ready for new satellite launch in a few months

Iran's bid to launch a satellite failed on Tuesday.

Report: American soldiers killed in Islamic State attack in Syria

Amaq, a news site linked to Islamic State, said a suicide attacker with an explosive vest struck an international coalition patrol in the city on Wednesday.

Revolutionary Guards commander warns Israel Iran will retaliate for Syria strikes

IRCG commander Mohammad Ali Jafari said PM Benjamin Netanyahu should not play with the "lion's tail."

Atomic Chief: 'Iran could enrich uranium up to 20 percent within 4 days'

Salehi did not elaborate on his remark about stockpiles. Iran's reserve of 20 percent enriched uranium was downblended, shipped abroad or turned into fuel plates for a research reactor after deal.

Abbas calls for end to terrorism as he takes over largest U.N. bloc

In New York, Abbas said the United Nations must provide the Palestinians with an international protection force, he remarked on Monday.

Turkey says it will create Syria buffer zone after Trump call

Mixed messages from Trump-Erdogan discussion continue to leave region wondering what comes next in eastern Syria

Satellite images show demolished Iranian site

Weapons storehouse at Damascus airport was struck by Israel last week.

Evaluating Progress: Saudi Women Informed Of Divorce By Text Message

Riyadh's modernizing reforms belie larger systemic issues.

Iran launches satellite into space, fails: report

The rocket carrying the satellite "failed to reach the required speed in the third stage," according to the country's communications minister.

Saudi teen refugee: Coming to Canada was 'worth the risk'

Relations between Ottawa and Riyadh have been tense after Canada demanded the immediate release of jailed rights activists last year.