Taliban welcome US troop drawdown from Afghanistan as 'good step'
The Taliban on Wednesday welcomed the Pentagon's announcement it would soon pull about 2,000 US troops from Afghanistan as a “good step” that will help end the country's long-running conflict.
US senators look to halt sale of F-35 jets to UAE
Three US senators on Wednesday launched a bid to block the sale of top-of-the-line F-35 jets to the UAE, voicing concern over the deal seen as a reward for the nation's recognition of Israel.
Tehran ready for nuclear talks
Iran said Wednesday it would “automatically” return to its nuclear commitments if US President-elect Joe Biden lifts sanctions, as the outgoing administration doubled down with more pressure.
American embassy in Iraq under rocket fire, US announces troop cut
A volley of rockets slammed into the Iraqi capital Baghdad late Tuesday, killing one girl and breaking a month-long truce on attacks against the US embassy.
Palestinian Authority to restore Israel coordination
The Palestinian Authority (PA) said Tuesday it will restore coordination with Israel, ending a six-month suspension, on the eve of a planned visit to the Jewish state by Washington's top diplomat.
Saudi voices confidence in chairing full G20 agenda amid COVID-19 challenges
Fahad Almubarak, Saudi Arabia's minister of state and sherpa of Saudi G20, said on Monday that the kingdom is able to execute the full agenda as the G20 presidency amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Number two mastermind behind Afghan attacks killed
Afghan security forces have killed the number two mastermind of November's bloody Kabul University attack that left 22 people dead, the country's vice president said Monday.
Libya, Malta discuss mutual cooperation
Libya's UN-backed Prime Minster Fayez Serraj and visiting Maltese Foreign Minister Evarist Bartolo on Monday discussed bilateral cooperation, said a statement issued by the prime minister's information office.
Israel strikes Hamas posts in Gaza after rocket attack
Israel's military said it struck Hamas positions Sunday morning following a rocket attack from the Gaza Strip overnight.
Egypt's president in Greece to discuss bilateral cooperation, regional issues
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi arrived here on Wednesday to start his two-day visit to Greece, during which the prospects of further bilateral cooperation and regional issues are expected to be discussed by the leaders of the two sides.
Syrian official urges int'l community to facilitate return of refugees
Syrian assistant foreign minister Ayman Sousan on Wednesday urged the international community to facilitate the return of Syrian refugees to their country.
US to sell F-35 fighter jets to UAE
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo confirmed Tuesday that the US planned to sell top-of-the-line F-35 fighter jets to the UAE as part of a $23.37 billion package.
Parliament of Israel wants to endorse Bahrain ties
Israel's parliament voted Tuesday for the normalization of ties with Bahrain with a clear majority of lawmakers in favor.
Iranian FM visits Pakistan to discuss bilateral cooperation, regional issues
Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif arrived in Pakistan Tuesday night on a two-day visit for talks on bilateral cooperation and regional issues, officials of the Pakistani Foreign Ministry said.
IS surprise attack west of Baghdad kills 11: security, medical sources
An Islamic State (IS) group attack on a lookout point west of Baghdad manned by a state-sponsored tribal force left 11 people dead late Sunday, security sources and medics told AFP.
France's cartoon diplomacy
French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves le Drian was in Egypt Sunday where he sought to ease tensions with the Arab world, after the furor surrounding the republication of cartoons of the Prophet Muhammad.
Syrian autistic teen develops hobby of making bead ornaments
Protesters in Iraq demand exit of US troops
Several hundred protesters gathered in the Iraqi capital on Saturday afternoon to demand US troops leave the country in accordance with a parliament vote earlier in 2020.