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Report: dozens killed in key Syrian town of Qusayr updated 13 minutes ago

Shelling by Hezbollah fighters killed 24 people Saturday in the strategically important western Syrian town of Qusayr, an opposition group reported.

Clashes between al-Assad supporters, opponents leave 16 dead in Lebanon updated 1 days ago

Clashes between supporters and opponents of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad killed 6 people in Tripoli

Turkish-Armenian blogger sentenced to Turkish prison for blasphemy updated 1 days ago

A Turkish-Armenian blogger vowed to appeal a day after an Istanbul court sentenced him to more than a year in prison for blasphemy.

In Iraq, 4 soldiers slain updated 2 days ago

At least four soldiers were killed and five others were wounded Thursday when gunmen attacked an Iraqi army checkpoint, police said.

This week on Marketplace Middle East: May 23 updated 2 days ago

IN FOCUS: MIDDLE EAST BREAKING RECORDS

Dozen slain in Baghdad brothel updated 2 days ago

Gunmen in Baghdad shot dead at least 12 people in a brothel Wednesday, authorities said.

Military: 7 kidnapped soldiers freed in Egypt updated 2 days ago

Seven Egyptian soldiers who were kidnapped six days ago in the Sinai Peninsula have been freed, the spokesman for Egypt's armed forces said Wednesday.

Iran's Ahmadinejad to contest banning of his aide from presidential race updated 2 days ago

Iran's President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad will challenge the disqualification of his top aide from next month's presidential election, state media reported Wednesday.

New controversy over video of Gaza boy's death 13 years ago updated 3 days ago

An Israeli report disputes video from 2000 showing the apparent death of a boy in Gaza that became a defining image of the second Intifada.

Bombings in Iraq kill 19 people as worries over sectarian violence grow updated 3 days ago

At least 19 people were killed and more than 100 were wounded Tuesday in bombings in Iraq, police said.

Syrian rebels target Hezbollah militia, fire rockets into Lebanon updated 3 days ago

The fighting in Syria took another dangerous turn when rebel rockets targeted Hezbollah locations in Lebanon.

From Jeeves to Jiang: The changing face of butlers in the Middle East updated 4 days ago

In popular culture, butlers are usually portrayed as "Made in Britain" and tend to stately homes somewhere in the English countryside. The last few years has revealed a different reality, however. Increasingly, "Jeeves" and his ilk are as likely to be found managing a palace in Saudi Arabia as a manor in England.

Shiites targeted in Iraq in another day of sectarian strife updated 4 days ago

A string of car bombings and shootings across Iraq left more than 50 people dead Monday, authorities said.

Taking heart amid Syria's carnage updated 4 days ago

She never displayed the boundless energy of other children -- all she seemed to do was cry.

First Saudi woman summits Mount Everest updated 4 days ago

A 27-year-old graphic designer has made history by becoming the first Saudi woman to conquer Mount Everest.

Iran claims it hanged CIA, Mossad spies updated 5 days ago

Two men who the Iranian government said worked as spies for Israel and the United States were hanged Sunday morning, according to Iranian state news outlet.

Violence surges in strategic Syrian city updated 5 days ago

Violence surged in the strategically important Syrian town of Qusayr on Sunday. Activists said the offensive marked some of the most intense fighting they've seen in the fiercely contested area near the Lebanese border.

Baghdad, Anbar province racked by violence updated 5 days ago

At least 16 people were killed across Iraq on Sunday as gunmen and Iraqi security forces clashed in several areas, police officials in Baghdad and Ramadi said.

Sectarian violence erupts anew in Iraq updated 6 days ago

At least 15 people were killed Saturday in Baghdad and Anbar provinces, police said, in what appeared to be a continuation of sectarian violence.

U.N.: More than 1.5 million fled Syria, 4 million more displaced within nation updated 7 days ago

The number of Syrians who have fled their country to escape the civil war has passed 1.5 million, the U.N. said.

Bombings kill dozens of Sunnis in Iraq updated 7 days ago

Bombs struck Sunnis leaving a mosque and attending a funeral in Iraq on Friday, killing dozens amid festering tensions between Sunnis and Shiites.

Pervez Musharraf Fast Facts updated 7 days ago

Here is a look a the life of Pervez Musharraf, former President of Pakistan.

'Arab Idol's' first contestant from Gaza grabs spotlight updated 8 days ago

One contestant on "Arab Idol," the Middle Eastern version of American Idol, has been drawing attention because of more than just his impressive vocals.

Obama, Turkish prime minister discuss how to end civil war in Syria updated 8 days ago

The leaders of Turkey and the United States are huddling in Washington on Thursday over how to handle the Syrian civil war.

6 dead in Baghdad attacks; 5 killed in Kirkuk suicide blast updated 8 days ago

Eleven people -- six in Baghdad and five in Kirkuk -- die in attacks Thursday, police say.

Buckets of KFC smuggled under border updated 8 days ago

A confluence of a hankering for fried chicken and hard times in the smuggling business means buckets of KFC are showing up on tables in Gaza.

State news: Detainees linked to al Qaeda targeted U.S., French embassies in Egypt updated 8 days ago

State news: The Egyptian prosecutor's office says evidence shows 3 suspected al Qaeda-linked terrorists targeted the U.S. and French embassies and Egyptian army.

Tribal fighters clash with Iraqi army amid rising tensions updated 8 days ago

Iraqi security forces raided a farm belonging to a Sunni tribal leader Thursday, he and two other tribal leaders said, prompting fears over sectarian tensions.

Kidnapped Red Cross workers freed in Yemen updated 9 days ago

Three employees of the International Committee of the Red Cross who were seized by armed tribesmen in southern Yemen on Monday have been released, the ICRC said.

Report: 4 arrested in connection with southern Turkey explosions updated 9 days ago

Four people were arrested Wednesday in connection with blasts in a southern Turkish town that killed about 50 people, the semi-official Anadolu news agency says.

Execution video surfaces in Syria updated 9 days ago

Another grisly video has come from Syria, this one apparently showing rebels executing army soldiers.

12 car bombs in Baghdad and Kirkuk leave 29 dead, more than 120 hurt updated 9 days ago

At least 29 people were killed and more than 120 others wounded in a dozen car bomb explosions in Baghdad and Kirkuk on Wednesday, police said.

Israeli military: Syrian rockets hit Golan Heights updated 10 days ago

Several rockets from Syria landed early Wednesday in the Hermon area of the Israeli-held Golan Heights, the Israeli military said.

Video: Syrian rebel cuts out soldier's heart, eats it updated 10 days ago

A ghastly video apparently shows a rebel cutting out the heart and liver of a Syrian soldier and eating the heart

Hosni Mubarak Fast Facts updated 10 days ago

Here's a look at the life of Hosni Mubarak, former president of Egypt.

Police: Gunmen fire into Baghdad liquor stores, killing 12 updated 10 days ago

Gunmen targeted liquor stores in eastern Baghdad on Tuesday evening, killing 12 people, police officials said.

Strike looms at Turkey's top airline updated 10 days ago

Turkey's flagship airline is facing the threat of a strike after negotiations with the country's main aviation workers union collapsed.

Iranian-American launches bid for Iran's presidency updated 10 days ago

An Iranian-American college professor has quixotic hopes to be Iran's next president. But his real aim is to re-establish trust between the U.S. and Iran.

13 detained in Turkish car bombs updated 11 days ago

At least 13 people in Turkey have been detained in connection with the weekend car bombings near the Syrian border, the semi-official Anadolu news agency said.

Video: Syrian rebel cuts out soldier's heart, eats it updated 11 days ago

A ghastly video apparently shows a rebel cutting out the heart and liver of a Syrian soldier and eating the heart

Red Cross worker in Yemen snatched by gunmen updated 11 days ago

Tribal militants in Yemen kidnapped a worker for the Red Cross on Monday, three security officials told CNN.

Turkish government blames Marxists with Syrian connections for bombings updated 11 days ago

Rage grew in a Turkish town on Syria's border Monday in the aftermath of bombings, as the government blamed Marxists with Syrian connections for the deadly attacks.

Yemeni military plane crashes in capital updated 12 days ago

A Yemeni military plane crashed into a residential area of the capital Monday, killing the pilot and injuring at least 18 people, the Yemeni government said.

Four Filipino peacekeepers in Syria released updated 12 days ago

Four U.N. peacekeepers released Sunday, five days after they were seized while patrolling between Syria and the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, official says.

Turkey detains 9, alleges Syrian link to car bombings updated 12 days ago

Turkey has detained nine of its citizens in connection with twin car bombings that killed several dozen people, Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Besir Atalay says,

686 presidential candidates try to succeed Ahmadinejad in Iran updated 12 days ago

Hundreds of candidates are vying to become Iran's next president, with hopefuls ranging from friends to foes of current President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

Can Saudi Arabia's first anti-domestic violence advert make a difference? updated 12 days ago

Saudi recently launched their first anti-domestic violence ad. Could new laws protecting abuse victims be next?

Turkish minister: Bombers had contacts with Syria's secret police updated 13 days ago

Over 40 died when two car bombs exploded in the Turkish border town of Reyhanli. A Turkish official says the attackers were in touch with Syria's secret police.

Mubarak's retrial starts amid tight security updated 14 days ago

Former Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak faces retrial Saturday after a court appearance in April ended abruptly when a judge in the case recused himself.

Source: Patients from Syria being tested for chemical weapons updated 15 days ago

The Turkish government is treating around a dozen patients who have exhibited unusual symptoms suggesting they were exposed to a chemical weapons attack, a Turkish source said.

5 reasons Syria's war suddenly looks more dangerous updated 15 days ago

While the world's attention was focused on Boston and North Korea, the conflict in Syria entered a new phase -- one that threatens to embroil its neighbors in a chaotic way and pose complex challenges to the Obama administration.

Source: 3 European hostages released in Yemen updated 15 days ago

Two Finns and one Austrian believed to have been kidnapped by al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula last December in Yemen have been released.

Hawking boycott of conference in Israel sparks controversy updated 15 days ago

A decision by physicist Stephen Hawking not to attend a conference in Israel in support of an academic boycott has sparked controversy in Israel and online.

Q&A: Is Syrian war escalating to wider conflict? updated 15 days ago

Israel is taking steps to defend itself against threatened retaliation from Syria after claims it launched a night assault on a suburb of the capital Damascus on Sunday. This was believed to be the second Israeli attack in three days.

Kerry-Lavrov statements called 'first hopeful news' on Syria in a while updated 15 days ago

The U.N. and Arab League point man on Syria praised the top U.S. and Russian diplomats Wednesday for their latest efforts to forge a solution to the Syrian war.

Kerry announces more aid to Syria updated 16 days ago

Secretary of State John Kerry said Thursday the U.S. would provide an additional $100 million in aid for Syrian refugees.

For Syrian Shiites, civil war isn't simply rebels vs. government updated 16 days ago

Ramiz Rafizadeh was driving past Syria's famous Ummayad Mosque in December when another vehicle abruptly cut him off.

More 'likes' than the Louvre: Tiny museum shows rise of Saudi art updated 16 days ago

Saudi Arabia's art scene has been growing for years. Finally, those inside the country are starting to notice.

6 dead in another day of Iraq violence updated 17 days ago

At least six people were killed and 24 others wounded in shootings and bombings across Iraq on Wednesday, police said.

Creating an international arts hub in the Middle East updated 17 days ago

The arts are thriving around the Arabian peninsula. From Doha to the smallest state of the United Arab Emirates, museums and galleries are making an ambitious mark on the Middle East's cultural landscape.

Turkish PM calls Israel's Syria strikes 'unacceptable' updated 17 days ago

Turkey's prime minister, a staunch critic of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's regime, on Tuesday called Israel's recent airstrikes in Syria "unacceptable."

Saudi prince: Blocking social media platforms is a 'losing war' updated 17 days ago

Saudi Prince Alwaleed bin Talal has called on the Saudi Telecommunication Authority to drop reported plans to block social media platforms.

Middle Eastern youth find comic relief through stand-up updated 18 days ago

It has been a rocky couple of years for the people of Egypt. Since the 2011 revolution, the economy has tanked, street protests are an almost daily occurrence and the political situation remains volatile.

42 Syrian soldiers dead in reported Israeli strike, opposition group says updated 18 days ago

Concern about the possibility of broader war in the Middle East grew Monday after reported airstrikes on Syrian military installations.

Blasts rip Baghdad, Mosul updated 18 days ago

(CNN) -- A flurry of explosions in the Iraqi cities of Baghdad and Mosul on Monday killed seven people and wounded 16, police said.

Syria: Attack on military facility was a 'declaration of war' by Israel updated 19 days ago

A series of massive explosions illuminated the dark sky over Damascus early Sunday, igniting renewed claims that Israel has launched attacks into the war-torn country.

Syrian TV: Israeli rockets target Damascus suburb updated 19 days ago

Syria accused Israel of firing rockets into the Damascus suburb of Jamraya on Sunday, striking a "scientific research center," Syrian state TV reported.

Saudi government sanctions sports in girls' private schools updated 19 days ago

Saudi Arabian girls will be allowed to practice sports in private schools for the first time, according to the nation's official press agency.

Missing journalist likely in Syrian custody, news outlet says updated 19 days ago

A U.S. journalist missing in Syria for nearly six months is likely in Syrian government custody, GlobalPost, an online news outlet, reported Friday.

Obama: 'Do not foresee scenario' of American boots on ground in Syria updated 19 days ago

President Obama said Friday that he did not foresee a scenario of "American boots on the ground in Syria" that would be good for that country or the region.

Sources: U.S. believes Israel has conducted an airstrike into Syria updated 20 days ago

U.S. officials believe Israel has conducted an airstrike into Syria, two U.S. officials told CNN.

Obama: 'Do not foresee scenario' of American boots on ground in Syria updated 21 days ago

President Obama said Friday that he did not foresee a scenario of "American boots on the ground in Syria" that would be good for that country or the region.

Sources: U.S. believes Israel has conducted an airstrike into Syria updated 21 days ago

The United States believes Israel has conducted an airstrike into Syria, two U.S. officials first told CNN.

Sunni mosque in Baghdad bombed; 5 dead updated 21 days ago

At least five people were killed and 30 others wounded Friday after a bombing outside a Sunni mosque in northeastern Baghdad, police said.

Shelling sparks fire at Damascus airport updated 22 days ago

A fire broke out at the Damascus airport when mortar shells hit a kerosene tank and a plane, state news said.

Syrian government reclaims parts of Homs; raid in other city updated 22 days ago

Syrian troops took control of large swaths of territory in the flashpoint city of Homs on Thursday, encircling an opposition suburb, an activist group said.

Meet the man who sculpted Saddam Hussein updated 22 days ago

For the generation of Iraqi artists who came of age under Saddam Hussein's regime in the 1980s, one common subject was the dictator himself, often depicted holding a sword or riding an Arabian horse.

As U.S. rethinks arming rebels, Syria says chemical weapons also a 'red line' updated 22 days ago

Has a "red line" been crossed in Syria? And if so, what happens next?

Syrian government reclaims parts of Homs updated 22 days ago

Syrian troops took control of large swaths of territory in the flashpoint city of Homs Thursday, encircling an opposition suburb, an activist group said.

April the deadliest month in Iraq in 5 years updated 22 days ago

More people died violently in Iraq in April than in any other month in nearly five years, the United Nations said Thursday.

Syrian leader makes rare public appearance updated 23 days ago

Syria's president made a rare public appearance Wednesday.

16 are killed in Iraq violence updated 23 days ago

Attackers killed at least 16 people and wounded 31 more in Iraq on Wednesday, police and health officials said.

Settler killed, Palestinians fear reprisals updated 24 days ago

An Palestinian and an Israeli are killed in the latest rash of violence in the Middle East. Another Palestinian is stabbed and wounded, police said.

Officials: Wave of violence hits Iraq, leaves 6 dead, more than 20 wounded updated 24 days ago

A wave of violence struck Iraq on Tuesday, with bomb blasts and gun battles killing at least six people and wounding more than 20, police officials told CNN.

World seeks answers as Syria civil war evolves updated 24 days ago

The U.S. is waiting for details on the evidence of chemical weapons use in Syria, President Barack Obama said Tuesday.

Iraq at crossroads as bombs explode updated 24 days ago

CNN's Arwa Damon explains what's simmering behind the latest surge in violence in Iraq - attacks that some now fear could lead to full sectarian war.

Syrian prime minister uninjured after bomb targets motorcade in Damascus updated 25 days ago

Syrian Prime Minister Wael al-Halqi survived a bombing targeting his motorcade Monday in a Damascus neighborhood; government and opposition report casualties.

25 dead, dozens wounded in Iraq car bombings updated 25 days ago

At least 25 people were killed and 69 others were wounded in five car bombings in Iraq on Monday, police said,

3 Britons sentenced to 4 years on drug charges in UAE; claims of torture linger updated 25 days ago

Britain says it will continue to press for an independent probe into the case of three British citizens who were sentenced Monday to four years on drug charges

Iraq pulls plug on 'misleading' TV networks updated 26 days ago

Iraq's government ordered 10 television networks shut down Sunday, accusing them of stoking sectarian violence.

Verdict near for imprisoned Britons allegedly tortured in UAE updated 26 days ago

Three British citizens held on drug charges in the United Arab Emirates since July could face a verdict as early as Monday.

Syrian rebels attack military airports across country, opposition says updated 26 days ago

Syrian rebels attacked several military airports across the country Sunday, including a sprawling base in the province of Idlib, opposition activists said.

Syria: U.S. manipulating chemical weapons evidence, like it did with Iraq updated 28 days ago

Syria on Friday denied that it has used, or even possesses, chemical weapons and accused the United States and Britain of lying.

Israel: Mistakes made in war, but no criminal charges in deadly Gaza strike updated 28 days ago

Israel won't open a criminal probe into the airstrike that killed 10 members of a Palestinian family and two neighbors during the November 2012 war with Gaza.

At least 14 killed in bombings, shootings in and near Baghdad updated 28 days ago

Attacks in and around Baghdad kill at least 14 people and injure more than 80, police and health officials said Friday.

Israel forces shoot down a drone updated 29 days ago

The Israeli air force shot down a drone approaching the nation's coast Thursday, the Israel Defense Forces said.

U.S.: Intelligence points to small-scale use of sarin in Syria updated 29 days ago

The United States has evidence that the chemical weapon sarin has been used in Syria on a small scale, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel said Thursday.

Kurdish rebels to start withdrawing from Turkey in May updated 29 days ago

The Kurdish rebel group that has fought a guerrilla war against the Turkish state for the past 30 years announced it would begin withdrawing its fighters from Turkey to neighboring countries.

Iraqi leader sounds warning about sectarian strife updated 29 days ago

Iraqi President Nuri al-Maliki called for dialogue and resolve to halt the recent rise of violence in Iraq.

Iraq, on edge over violence, endures more bloodshed updated 30 days ago

More violence engulfed Iraq on Wednesday as tensions rose between Sunnis and Shiites, with the latest bloodshed spurred by deadly clashes the day before in the town of Hawija.

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