Middle East News

News Headlines from Middle East

Prices rise, patience thins in sanctions-hit Iran

A simple trip to the store in Iran these days offers a crash course in life under Western economic sanctions.

Palestinians take step toward unity

In a deal brokered by Qatar, Abbas will head an interim unity government to prepare for general elections in the Palestinian territories in the coming months.

U.S. closes embassy in Syria, pulls diplomats out amid increased violence

The Obama administration closed the U.S. embassy in Damascus and pulled all American diplomats out of violence-torn Syria today as the U.S. stepped up pressure on President Bashar Assad to vacate power.

Activists: Syrian forces bombard restive city

In this photo released by the Syrian official news agency SANA, Syrian President Bashar Assad, left, prays next to the Syrian grand mufti Ahmad Hassoun, second left, during a ceremony marking the birth of Islam’s Prophet Mohammad, at al-Rawda mosque, in Damascus, Syria, on Sunday Feb.

Yemen Offers Dialogue With Al Qaida

Yemen’s highest military authority Sunday announced its willingness to open channels of dialogue with al Qaida in hopes of reaching a long-term cease-fire agreement.

Gunmen publish Yemen president's photo by force

Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh waves to people protesting his presence in the United States as he exits his hotel in New York, Sunday, Feb.

Just a bluff? Fears grow of Israeli attack on Iran

For the first time in nearly two decades of escalating tensions over Iran’s nuclear program, world leaders are genuinely concerned that an Israeli military attack on the Islamic Republic could be imminent — an action that many fear might trigger a wider war, terrorism and global economic havoc.

Israeli premier to visit US to address lobby

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office says he will visit the U.S. next month for the annual conference of AIPAC, the pro-Israel lobby.

Opposition Group Calls For Strike As Syrian Violence Grows

The death toll from fighting between Syrian government forces and civilians rose steadily Sunday, a day after the United Nations Security Council failed to approve a plan seeking to halt the violence.

Bigger US role against companies' cyberthreats?

A developing Senate plan that would bolster the government’s ability to regulate the computer security of companies that run critical industries is drawing strong opposition from businesses that say it goes too far and security experts who believe it should have even more teeth.Legislation set to come out in the days ahead is intended to ensure … (more)