All Middle East
Syria rejects Arab League's 'flagrant interference'The Arab League call for Syria's Assad to transfer power to his deputy reflects increasing external pressure that diplomats hope will force the president's departure.
As Egypt's new parliament convenes, eyes on ultraconservative salafisSalafis want to roll back the clock to their vision of sixth-century Islam. They captured a quarter of the votes, far more than many expected.聽
Buoyed by 'Islamic Spring,' Hamas considers new directionHamas' political chief Khaled Meshal is stepping down as the militant Palestinian group faces a regional moment of change.
In Jerusalem, national parks seen by Palestinians as a land grabSeven existing and planned parks in sensitive East Jerusalem, chosen in part for their archaeological significance, would expand areas of Jewish control where Palestinians envision a future capital.
Iraq's Maliki accused of jailing, torturing opponentsIraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki was accused by former prime minister and rival Ayad Allawi of using the security services to torture members of opposition groups into giving false confessions.
Iran to return drone to Obama 鈥� a pink, $4 toy versionAn Iranian toymaker is hawking a toy replica of the American RQ-170 Sentinel drone that Iran downed last month. The drone is far less controversial than another US-inspired toy: Barbie.
Could Israel live with a nuclear Iran? A gaming exercise suggests yes.Israeli intelligence experts role-played Iran in a simulation exploring the 'day after' scenario if Iran were to launch a nuclear explosive test. The results suggest war would not break out immediately.
Iran and US: Could they talk war into happening?Analysts warn about the dangers of rhetoric as the stage appears set for a highly volatile year with both the United States and Iran preparing for elections.
Is Al Qaeda actually involved in the Syria uprising?Embattled President Bashar al-Assad is blaming Al Qaeda and its affiliates for a spate of suicide bombings around Syria's capital, but analysts are skeptical.
Shiite and Sunni: What are the differences? While the two sects share the same basic beliefs, differences in hierarchy and doctrine make Catholics and Protestants an apt comparison.
Shiite pilgrims defy bombings in Iraq to mark ArbaeenShiite pilgrims rely on the kindness of Shiites and even some Sunnis who set up hospitality tents along the road to the holy city of Karbala. Both pilgrims and volunteers say they won't be stopped by the risk of violence.
How Iranian nuclear scientist's assassination will affect Tehran's strategyIn Iran's eyes, the assassination of another Iranian nuclear scientist is proof that the West's carrot-and-stick policy has become solely punitive 鈥� giving Tehran little reason to compromise.
Was Israel behind Iran nuclear scientist's assassination?While yesterday's assassination of an Iran nuclear scientist may risk an escalation of hostilities, analysts say the calculation would make sense for Israel.
Israel's identity crisis: Why it could be as detrimental as Palestinian conflictIsrael鈥檚 ultra-Orthodox, who eschew army service and favor religious study over work, were once ignored as a tiny minority.聽 But now they're posing a challenge to the Zionist state.
Another Iranian nuclear scientist killed: part of 'covert war'?Tehran blamed the death of Iranian nuclear scientist Mostafa Ahmadi Roshan, a deputy director at the Natanz enrichment facility, on the US and Israel.
As Syria unravels, prices soar for guns, grenades, and RPGsThe cost of an AK-47 has nearly doubled, from $1,200 to $2,100, since the Syrian uprising began in March. The armed opposition says weapons are necessary to hasten the fall of Assad's regime.
Q&A: What's with the war talk surrounding Iran? Tensions over Iran鈥檚 nuclear program have escalated in recent weeks as the US and Europe ramp up sanctions against the Islamic Republic.
Report: Iran fires up new uranium enrichment plantA leading newspaper in Iran says the country has begun enriching uranium at a new underground site, ratcheting up Western concerns about Iran's nuclear program.
Egypt elections: Illiterate voters just one hurdle in path toward democracyIn one Nile Delta town participating in Egypt elections today, a judge said he had to help fill in ballots for as many as 90 percent of voters, who couldn't read and write.
Why Iran's currency dropped to worst low in two decadesThe value of Iran's currency, the rial, to the dollar fell nearly 30 percent after President Obama approved new Iran sanctions on Saturday.
