Iraq deeply mistrusts private security companies and wants to limit their operations here, officials say, while the contractors themselves have faced bureaucratic delays and detentions. Continue reading
Saudi Arabia has pledged to ensure a stable supply of oil to South Korea, which is under pressure from the United States to reduce purchases from Iran, a report said on Wednesday. Continue reading
Vice President Abdrabuh Mansur Hadi, Yemen’s acting head of state since veteran leader Ali Abdullah Saleh agreed to step down, on Tuesday launched his campaign for a February 21 presidential poll. Continue reading
Americans facing trial in Egypt over activities of their pro-democracy groups have been caught in a dispute between the U.S. government and Egypt over aid, a lawyer representing the Americans said Tuesday. Continue reading
Syrian forces renewed their assault on the flashpoint city of Homs Tuesday as Russia’s foreign minister stressed the need for reform and dialogue during talks in Damascus with President Bashar Assad about the country’s escalating violence. Continue reading
While Israeli leaders are increasingly sounding belligerent warnings of a potential military strike against Iran’s nuclear installations, a group of Iranian-Israelis are transmitting a different message. Continue reading
Commercial traffic has resumed on the strategic Shatt al-Arab waterway after 31 years, with the official opening of a port for oil giant Shell, an Iraqi official said on Tuesday. Continue reading
At least 15 civilians and four soldiers were killed on Tuesday in the besieged central Syrian city of Homs, which has been undergoing heavy shelling by government troops, activists said. Continue reading