Middle East
World Bank lends Iraq $1.2 billion to face oil, security shocks
December 18, 2015
World Bank lends Iraq $1.2 billion to face oil, security shocks
The World Bank said on Thursday it would lend Iraq $1.2 billion in emergency support to help it deal with…
Khomeini grandson gets cautious election blessing from the top
December 18, 2015
Khomeini grandson gets cautious election blessing from the top
A grandson of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini is expected to seek election early next year to the body that chooses Iran's…
Big powers struggle to agree UN resolution ahead of Syria talks
December 18, 2015
Big powers struggle to agree UN resolution ahead of Syria talks
The five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council were struggling to agree on a draft resolution endorsing an…
Libyan rivals sign disputed unity government deal
December 17, 2015
Libyan rivals sign disputed unity government deal
Libyan political rivals signed Thursday a deal on a unity government despite opposition on both sides, in what the United…
Palestinian teen attempts knife attack, shot dead
December 17, 2015
Palestinian teen attempts knife attack, shot dead
A Palestinian tried to attack Israeli soldiers with a knife in the West Bank on Thursday and was shot dead,…
Confusion clouds Saudi Arabia’s anti-IS coalition
December 17, 2015
Confusion clouds Saudi Arabia’s anti-IS coalition
Some key members of the 34-nation anti-Islamic State coalition announced by Saudi Arabia have a fundamental question: just what is…
US supplies Syrian fighters ahead of push for Islamic State town
December 17, 2015
US supplies Syrian fighters ahead of push for Islamic State town
The United States has delivered a fresh supply of ammunition to Syrian Arab fighters ahead of an expected stiff battle…
Yemen peace talks struggling in Switzerland amid disputes: sources
December 17, 2015
Yemen peace talks struggling in Switzerland amid disputes: sources
UN-sponsored Yemeni peace talks in Switzerland appeared to be struggling amid differences over government demands for the release of senior…
Carter, on visit to Baghdad, seeks to step up US Islamic State fight
December 16, 2015
Carter, on visit to Baghdad, seeks to step up US Islamic State fight
US Defense Secretary Ash Carter was on Wednesday hoping to discuss with Iraqi officials Washington's offer of attack helicopters and…