Egyptian-British activist Alaa Abd el-Fattah arrives in UK after release from Egyptian prison
Abd el-Fattah, 44, has become Egypt's most prominent political prisoner after spending much of his adult life in and out of detention due to his activism.
Middle East
UNIFIL says IDF forces fire impacted close by, one soldier 'wounded by gunfire, explosion sound'
Houthi leader says future rounds of fighting with Israel likely
Months later: Jordan receives body of terrorist who killed two IDF soldiers at Allenby Crossing
Sectarian attack: Eight dead, 21 injured in Homs mosque incident targeting Alawite minority
Local official Issam Naameh told Reuters the blast took place during Friday noon prayers, typically the busiest time for mosques.
Syria prepares for economic revival as United States drops Caesar Act sanctions
More than a legal step, the repeal of the Caesar Act signals a political and economic shift that has put Syria back on the radar after years largely cut off from global markets.
Iran seizes foreign oil tanker near Gulf, saying it was carrying millions of smuggled fuel liters
Iran said last week it had seized another foreign tanker carrying 6 million litres of what it described as smuggled diesel in the Gulf of Oman.
UAE backs Saudi efforts to restore stability in Yemen amid STC tension
"The UAE reaffirmed its steadfast commitment to supporting all endeavors aimed at strengthening stability and development in Yemen," the foreign ministry said in a statement.
UN rights experts, influential women condemn Iran’s 'sham' trial of activist Zahra Tabari
Tabari was convicted by a Revolutionary Court in Rasht in October on the grounds of armed rebellion, in an online trial that lasted less than ten minutes.
Christmas passes peacefully in the Middle East
Christmas was celebrated by Christian communities across the region, including in Lebanon, Syria, and Iraq.
When faith comes under fire: How Iran’s repression of religious minorities has increased
IRAN AFFAIRS: A new report by NUFDI titled “Faith Under Siege” has documented the religious oppression, providing many examples of the individuals who have been arrested.
Diplomatic effort continues to ward off 'specter of war' with Israel, Lebanon's Aoun says
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said "our diplomatic contacts have not stopped to ward off the specter of war" with Israel, noting that "the specter of war is still there."
Syria to start currency swap on January 1, central bank governor says
Syria will begin swapping Assad-era notes for new currency on January 1, Central Bank Governor Husrieh on Thursday.
Majority of Hezbollah terrorists 'work with Israel,' Lebanese operative claims in N12 interview
"If they take our weapons away and return us to our homes and lands, I think, as far as I’m concerned, that’s what needs to be done," the Hezbollah insider said.
