After years off-stage, Iraq’s Sistani takes charge
NAJAF Iraq (Reuters) - Najaf is far from Baghdad's palaces and the battlefields of northern Iraq. Its mud-brick houses, dirt alleys and concrete office blocks project little in the way...
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Lebanon church head’s planned Jerusalem visit stirs controversy
BEIRUT (Reuters) - A planned visit by the head of the Maronite church to Jerusalem has stirred an outcry in Lebanon, which is still technically at war with its southern...
Mortar fire kills at least 13 in government-held Syria
BEIRUT (Reuters) - At least 13 people were killed by mortar fire in government-held areas of Syria on Saturday, including central Damascus, a monitoring group and state media said, just...
First candidate for Syria’s presidential election steps forward
BEIRUT (Reuters) - A Syrian lawmaker has nominated himself for president, state media said on Wednesday, the first candidate in an election likely to cement President Bashar al-Assad's rule over...
Syria calls presidential vote, defying Assad’s opponents
BEIRUT (Reuters) - Syria announced on Monday a presidential election for June 3, preparing the ground for Bashar al-Assad to defy widespread opposition and extend his grip on power, days...
Al Qaeda chief mourns slain Syria fighter, says infighting must end
BEIRUT (Reuters) - Al Qaeda chief Ayman al-Zawahiri has called for Islamist fighters in Syria to end the infighting that killed a one-time companion of Osama bin Laden earlier this...
Al Qaeda splinter group in Syria leaves two provinces: activists
BEIRUT (Reuters) - An al Qaeda splinter group in Syria finished pulling out of two provinces in the country's northwest on Friday and headed to its eastern strongholds after months...
Syria government forces take village near Lebanese border
BEIRUT (Reuters) - Syrian government forces seized a village in the central Homs province on Saturday, state media and a monitoring group said, as part of a push for control...
Another dark Christmas for Iraq’s Christians
BAGHDAD (Reuters) - It's Christmas in Baghdad, and once again Iraq's Christians are celebrating behind blast walls and barbed wire. At least 34 people died in bomb attacks in Christian...
Syrian Islamists seize Western-backed rebel bases: monitoring group
BEIRUT/ISTANBUL (Reuters) - Syrian rebels from an Islamist alliance formed last month have occupied bases and warehouses belonging to a Western-backed rebel group on the Turkish border, rebels and activists...