Baghdad blasts
Heavy smoke billows from Baghdad’s historic Shorjah market, which dates to the Abbassid era over 700 years ago, after it was hit by two bomb blasts on Thursday, killing at least two people and wounding at least 11. Photo: AFP
Russia, US new focus of Syria talks
The UN’s mediator on the Syria conflict was to meet high-level Russian and US diplomats in Geneva on Thursday in hope of breathing new life into the flagging peace talks.
Abbas decides not to include religious affiliation on Palestinian IDs
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has decided not to include religious affiliation on new Palestinian identity cards, a senior official said on Thursday.
Gunmen seize Sunni town in Iraq, 4 killed in violence
Gunmen seized a Sunni town in Iraq 's Salahudin province after clashes with security forces on Thursday, while bomb attacks in Baghdad and eastern Iraq killed four people and wounded 21 others.
Pakistan PM urges "managed" pullout from Afghanistan
Visiting Pakistani Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif on Thursday called on relevant parties to strive to maintain regional peace and security as NATO troops withdraw from Afghanistan before the end of 2014.
Syrian army starts crucial battle against rebels in strategic town
Syrian government forces have started a wide-scale operation to recapture a strategic town in central Syria, the pro-government al-Watan daily reported Thursday.
Russian minister to visit Iran, oil-for-goods deal possible topic
Russia's Economy Minister Alexei Ulyukayev will visit Iran in April on a trip that might include discussions on an oil-for-goods deal.
UN Middle East envoy voices concern over deteriorating situation in Gaza
Top UN envoy for the Middle East voiced deep concern over the deteriorating situation in the Gaza Strip, a UN spokesperson said on Wednesday.
UN delivers food to besieged Syrians in Homs
The United Nations on Wednesday delivered food for about 1,000 people in one month to community leaders in the besieged rebel-held Syrian city of Homs, said a UN spokesman here.
Russia accuses US of "deliberate distortion" of its Syria stance
Moscow on Wednesday accused Washington of deliberately distorting its position on conflict- torn Syria, a day after US President Barack Obama branded Russia as a holdout against a UN draft resolution on Syria aid.