Middle East

France's Macron urges Syria's interim government to join US-led coalition fighting extremists

French president’s comments come amid uncertainty over US commitment to region

US aircraft carrier collides with merchant ship near Egypt

The Navy reported no injuries on either vessel

Pakistan, Turkey to boost strategic ties

Both sides sign 24 documents outlining cooperation in a vast array of fields

Hamas expresses commitment to ceasefire with Israel

Israel calls up military reserves, pledges to resume fighting unless Hamas continues hostage releases

Syrian minister makes first trip to EU as powers look to aid transition

Regional ministers, including from Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Lebanon, will be joined with Western partners

Negotiators work to preserve Israel-Hamas ceasefire

Israeli defense minister echoes Trump’s warning

Displaced people in Arisha camp return to their homes

Iran sentences protester to death; rights groups condemn unfair trial

Kurdish demonstration laws block protesters from entering Irbil 

Celebrating women in science: a story from Halabja

Pressure builds on US over future of its military presence in Syria

The future of the United States’ military presence in Syria is in question, with President Donald Trump facing competing demands from Turkey and Israel over the 2,000-strong force that is supporting a Syrian Kurdish-led coalition fighting Islamic State. Dorian Jones reports from Istanbul.