Taliban vow to disrupt election
The Taliban on Monday vowed to target Afghanistan’s presidential election, urging their fighters to attack polling staff, voters and security forces before the April 5 vote to choose a successor to Hamid Karzai.
Israeli court sentences Palestinian 25 years for planting bomb on bus
An Israeli court sentenced a Palestinian man to 25 years in prison on Monday for placing an explosive on a Tel Aviv bus in November 2012, the Tel Aviv District Court Authority announced in a statement.
Hamas says its missiles can hit remote targets in Israel
The armed wing of the Gaza- ruling Islamic Hamas movement said on Monday it has bolstered its missile capabilities which can now hit distant targets within Israel.
13 kidnapped Syrian nuns, 3 others released
A total of 13 Syrian nuns and three Christian female teachers kidnapped by Syria's radical rebels late last year have been released, according to the pan-Arab al-Mayadeen TV.
42 African refugees drown off Yemeni coast
About 42 African refugees drowned on Sunday evening off the Yemeni coast after their boat capsized in the Gulf of Aden, while about 30 people on the boat were rescued, the Yemeni defense ministry said in a statement.
Iraq transport minister pledges to hand over son if proved guilty
Iraq's transport minister promised on Sunday to hand over his son to authorities if investigations prove his son prevented a Lebanese passenger plane from landing in Baghdad.
37 slain by Iraqi suicide bomber
A suicide bomber killed 37 people, including two state television employees, at a checkpoint near Baghdad Sunday, after Iraq’s premier accused Riyadh and Doha of fuelling bloodshed in the country.
In Iran, EU's Ashton says no guarantee on nuclear deal
EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton said Sunday a final accord on Iran’s nuclear program cannot be guaranteed, during a landmark visit that underscores a thaw in Tehran’s ties with the West.
United Arab Emirates supports Saudis blacklisting Muslim Brotherhood
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Sunday commended Saudi Arabia’s decision to list the Muslim Brotherhood as a terrorist group, Al Arabiya News reported.
Beirut protests against domestic violence
Protesters took to the streets of Beirut Saturday on International Women’s Day to demand better protection for women amid uproar over husbands murdering their wives.