Middle East Politics
Obama to face Syria scrutiny in Jordan
Mar 22, 2013 05:19 EDT
A day after challenging Israelis to embrace peace with Palestinians, US President Barack Obama Friday will face scrutiny over his strategy on Syria during an overnight stay in Jordan.
Palestinians invoke civil rights on Obama tour
Mar 22, 2013 04:49 EDT
Palestinians sour at Barack Obama's perceived failure to honour their historical struggle have invoked the US civil rights movement and South Africa's apartheid in a bid to win his sympathy.
Obama in direct peace appeal to young Israelis
Mar 21, 2013 21:04 EDT
In a powerful direct appeal to Israelis, President Barack Obama insisted that a two-state peace with the Palestinians could still be forged and is their only hope of true security.
'No indication' Syria rebels used chemical weapons: US
Mar 21, 2013 18:34 EDT
The United States has found no evidence to support a Syrian government allegation that opposition rebels used chemical weapons in an attack this week, a US official said Thursday.
Gaza hardline Islamists claim rocket attack
Mar 21, 2013 17:36 EDT
A hardline Islamist group claimed a rocket attack against southern Israel on Thursday, in a statement that condemned a historic visit by US President Barack Obama to the region.
Obama in direct appeal to young Israelis on peace
Mar 21, 2013 17:16 EDT
In a powerful direct appeal to Israelis, President Barack Obama Thursday insisted a two-state peace with the Palestinians could still be forged and was their only hope of true security.
Abbas welcomes Obama peace speech: Palestinian negotiator
Mar 21, 2013 16:30 EDT
Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas on Thursday welcomed a speech to young Israelis in which US President Barack Obama appealed for a two-state peace with the Palestinians, a senior Palestinian official said.
Jailed Kurdish rebel leader calls ceasefire with Turkey
Mar 21, 2013 16:18 EDT
Jailed Kurdish rebel chief Abdullah Ocalan called Thursday for a new ceasefire, telling his fighters to lay down their arms and withdraw from Turkish soil, raising hopes for an end to a three-decade conflict that has cost tens of thousands of lives.
US welcomes Kurdish rebels ceasefire call
Mar 21, 2013 14:38 EDT
The United States on Thursday welcomed a call from the jailed rebel leader of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) urging his fighters to lay down their arms, saying it was a "positive step."
Jailed Kurdish rebel leader calls for ceasefire
Mar 21, 2013 14:27 EDT
Jailed Kurdish rebel chief Abdullah Ocalan called Thursday for a new ceasefire, telling his fighters to lay down their arms and withdraw from Turkish soil, raising hopes for an end to a three-decade conflict that has cost tens of thousands of lives.
UN to launch Syria chemical weapons inquiry
Mar 21, 2013 14:26 EDT
The United Nations will investigate whether chemical weapons have been used in the Syria conflict, UN leader Ban Ki-Moon announced Thursday.
Iran leader hints at first direct US nuclear talks
Mar 21, 2013 13:25 EDT
Iran's supreme leader on Thursday signalled openness for the first time to US offers to hold direct talks on his country's disputed nuclear drive, but voiced pessimism over the chances of a breakthrough.
Moody's cuts Egypt bond rating to Caa1
Mar 21, 2013 12:15 EDT
Credit ratings agency Moody's said on Thursday it has downgraded Egypt's government bond ratings by one notch to Caa1 from B3, saying political instability had "significantly weakened" the economy.
Obama says Assad must go so Syria's future can begin
Mar 21, 2013 11:12 EDT
US President Barack Obama used a major speech in Israel on Thursday to issue a new call on Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to step down so his country's "future can begin."
Iran will 'annihilate' cities if Israel attacks: Khamenei
Mar 21, 2013 11:09 EDT
Iran will "annihilate" the Israeli cities of Tel Aviv and Haifa if it comes under attack by the Jewish state, supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warned on Thursday.
Obama tells Abbas: 'Two-state solution still viable'
Mar 21, 2013 10:40 EDT
US President Barack Obama insisted on Thursday a two-state solution was still viable, but disappointed his Palestinian hosts by failing to take a clear stance on freezing settlement activity.
Egypt's Muslim Brotherhood 'to defend HQ'
Mar 21, 2013 10:12 EDT
Egypt's ruling Muslim Brotherhood warned on Thursday that it will defend its headquarters, as opposition activists planned a march on the building where they have previously clashed with the Islamists.
Abbas tells Obama 'no talks without freeze'
Mar 21, 2013 10:03 EDT
Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas on Thursday told US President Barack Obama there could be no talks with Israel without a freeze on settlement construction.
Gaza rockets 'hit south Israel during Obama visit'
Mar 21, 2013 09:59 EDT
Two rockets fired by militants in the Hamas-run Gaza Strip on Thursday hit southern Israel, police said, sparking a top-level condemnation from visiting US President Barack Obama.
Iran will wipe out cities if Israel attacks: Khamenei
Mar 21, 2013 09:48 EDT
Iran will "annihilate" the Israeli cities of Tel Aviv and Haifa if it comes under attack by the Jewish state, the Islamic republic's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warned on Thursday.
