Middle East

US increases airstrikes against al-Qaida affiliate in Syria

UN warns two-state solution for Israelis, Palestinians ‘withering away’

As Gaza lies in ruins and Israeli military operations expand in the West Bank, a UN official urges political engagement and diplomacy

What's behind Israeli, US silence on Lebanon blocking Iranian flights delivering cash to Hezbollah?

Researchers say Israeli, US refusals to comment on Beirut's move exemplify low-key approach to dealing with some regional security problems

Trial begins in Germany for 4 alleged Hamas members

They are accused of seeking weapons caches across Europe

National dialogue a 'historic opportunity' for Syria, interim president says

Hundreds of Syrians gathered at the presidential palace in Damascus for the one-day event

Kurdish budget share expected to increase after Iraq census results

Smuggled agricultural imports raise health concerns in Kurdistan

US imposes new sanctions on Iran's 'shadow fleet'

US Treasury Department says the sanctioned vessels ship tens of millions of barrels of crude oil valued in the hundreds of millions of dollars

Syria's national dialogue conference set to kick off Monday  

The main session will be held on Tuesday, with participants holding workshops to discuss transitional justice, the structure of a new constitution, reforming and building institutions, personal freedoms, the role of civil society and the country’s economy 

Syria's new president invited to emergency Arab League summit in Egypt

Invitation of Ahmed al-Sharaa marks major step in efforts of Damascus rebuilding ties with Arab world after downfall of Bashar al-Assad

Netanyahu says Israel won't allow Syrian forces 'south of Damascus' 

Netanyahu's comments led to new concerns over the Israeli presence, and sway, in a swath of southern Syria as Damascus' new leaders attempt to consolidate control after years of civil war