All Middle East
- Iraqi forces to retake Tikrit from ISIS todayThe battle for Tikrit, 80 miles north of Baghdad, is seen as a key step toward driving the ISIS militants out of Mosul, Iraq's second-largest city, that is farther north.
US cites national security in resumed weapons flow to EgyptThe decision means Egypt will remain the second-largest recipient of US foreign military financing worldwide.
Nearly $4 billion pledged for Syria, according to UNTuesday's international donor meeting was attended by nearly 80 governments and dozens of aid agencies, with the United States promising $507 million.
Iraqi PM says troops have reached Tikrit's center battling ISThe Islamic State group seized the Sunni city last summer during its lightning advance across northern and western Iraq.- Over 35 dead after IS attacks Syrian town, monitoring group saysSyrian state television put the number killed at 44 and said 21 others had been wounded in the attack on Mabouja.
Yemeni ports blockaded while coalition airstrikes target Houthi rebelsThe airstrikes have targeted at least nine of Yemen's 21 provinces and have prevented the Houthis from reaching Aden, the former capital of the once-independent south.
Shaken by Yemen, Lebanon works to keep its balanceIran and Saudi Arabia, the regional powers facing off in Yemen, also support the two main political factions in Lebanon. So far, the rival blocs remain committed to dialogue.
Former Israeli PM Olmert convicted in corruption caseEhud Olmert has claimed he was on the brink of a historic agreement with the Palestinians when he was forced to resign in early 2009 amid corruption allegations.
FocusGaza in ruins: why money, cement, and leadership are scarceMore than half a year after a devastating conflict in Gaza, large sections of the Palestinian territory show little sign of a rebuilding effort, leaving tensions to build toward another war.
Cover StoryHow big a threat are the world's jihadi groups?Sophisticated and lethal, growing in number, Islamic State and other extremist groups won't become a global force. Here's why.
Ahead of nuclear deadline, Iran and US grope for trustBut trust isn't the only thing lacking as the latest round of Iran nuclear negotiations head into the home stretch.
Israel unfreezes Palestinian tax revenues under US pressure to ease tensionsIsrael withheld the tax transfers it collects for the cash-strapped government of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas after he applied to join the International Criminal Court 鈥撀燼 move potentially paving the way for a war crimes investigation of Israel.
Amid Gaza rubble, new center offers kids art, storytelling, and hopeIn a Gaza City neighborhood that saw some of the fiercest fighting in last summer's war, a children's center teaches free thinking, life skills, and ethics.
Iran brain drain in reverse? Why some young professionals are going home.For years, Iran's academic elite has headed for the exits. But some foreign-trained youth are returning, hoping President Rouhani can revive the economy.
Iran denies UN request for snap inspections of nuclear sitesThe rebuke comes as the US聽and five other nations face a quickly approaching deadline to reach a framework agreement with Iran on its nuclear program.
In Tunisia, a plea to balance security with newfound freedomsLast week's terrorist attack in the country's capital was the first to kill civilians since 2002. Some analysts say secularist political gains may have fueled fringe聽Islamist groups.
Could Yemen conflict get worse? Experts warn of rising sectarianism.With Yemen already torn between rival authorities, a credible claim of an Islamic State bombing signals a deepening Sunni-Shiite clash. 聽
Israel says West, Iran likely to agree on 'bad deal' for Iranian nuclear programThe Israeli strategic affairs minister says two fundamental issues that need to be toughened up were the number of centrifuges and how to prevent Iran getting any capacity to pursue research and development.
Briefing: Who is battling Islamic State in Iraq?CIA Director John Brennan said Sunday that Iran's involvement is complicating the US mission and may stir up sectarianism. Iraqi forces have surrounded Tikrit in preparation for a final push into the city.聽
Syrian rebels reportedly capture crew from downed military helicopterSyria has confirmed the crash of a military helicopter in Idlib where various anti-regime forces are active, including Nusra Front, a extremist group affiliated with Al Qaeda.聽
