Middle East

All Middle East

U.S. death toll rises as it digs in against Iraq's Shiite militias

At least 47 US soldiers were killed in Iraq in April, making it the deadliest month since September. Many of the casualties are a result of the recent assault on the Mahdi Army.
New Gaza tragedy threatens Cairo truce talks

Palestinian officials met in Egypt Tuesday to hammer out possible terms for a six-month truce between the Islamist militants and Israel.
Iraq's Army – not ready yet

As US troops draw down, Iraqi forces are taking the lead. Reviews so far are mixed.
A Kurdish idealist returns to Iraq to 'change attitudes'

Taha Barwari came back to northern Iraqi from Sweden with a mission to inspire young Kurds disaffected by decades of war.
In Saudi Arabia, moderate article on Islam draws death fatwa

The response to threats against Abdullah Bejad al-Oteibi exposes a shifting balance between moderate and extremist versions of Islam in Saudi society.
U.S. pushes utilities to counter Moqtada al-Sadr

US general in Baghdad says bringing basic services to Sadr City to weaken Sadr and his militia can work this time.
Saudi official: why popular blogger Farhan was jailed

Fouad Farhan, arrested Dec. 10, was released Saturday after being held for more than four months without charges.
Can the U.N. avert a Kirkuk border war?

The United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq is expected to unveil a plan in May that it hopes will lead to a compromise over contentious land issues in oil-rich northern Iraq.
Israeli ex-soldiers expose abuse of Palestinians

In a report this week, 39 soldiers give eyewitness accounts from their patrols in and around the West Bank city of Hebron.
Israel rejects Hamas cease-fire offer as humanitarian crisis deepens in Gaza

Israel says offer is a bid to buy time. The UN said it ran out of fuel to distribute aid.
Iraq's simmering ethnic war over Kirkuk

Tensions are rising between Kurdish, Arab, and Turkmen factions over power and populations in the province, the heart of northern Iraq's oil industry.
Honey Sayed spins tunes and positive news in Syria

Popular 'Good Morning Syria' host provides a rare cultural bridge in the Arab world.
Iraqis see red as U.S. opens world's biggest embassy

The 104-acre, 21-building enclave was cleared for occupancy recently and will open next month.
At Kuwait meeting, U.S. hope for regional aid to Iraq

The summit of Arab neighbors Tuesday is the third attempt to gain more support for Iraq's reconstruction from Sunni states. Baghdad's crackdown on Shiite militias may help.
Will Carter's Hamas foray bear fruit?

The former president said Monday that the Islamist militants are prepared to accept the right of Israel to 'live as a neighbor next door in peace.'
Rice sees Iraqi unity emerging in battle against Sadr

Secretary of State Rice arrived in Baghdad on Sunday as Iraqi, US, and British forces continued to clash with the Mahdi Army.
Why Hamas is a growing challenge for Israel

Saturday's suicide bombings at Kerem Shalom are part of a shift toward the tactics of Lebanon-based Hizbullah, presenting Israel with a new-old dilemma: invade or try to broker a cease-fire.
Iraq bombings target US-allied, anti-Al Qaeda groups

Bombings this week in Sunni areas of Iraqi have killed more than 100 people.
How many West Bank barriers will Israel forgo?

Sixty roadblocks have been removed in the Palestinian territory, but critics say that isn't enough to improve life in the West Bank.
Saudi women jump through many hoops for basketball team

The Jeddah United team in Saudi Arabia openly flaunts a ban on women's sports.