Israel PM blames Palestinians for stalled peace efforts
JERUSALEM: Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has infuriated Washington by expanding settlements in east Jerusalem, on Sunday blamed the Palestinians for blocking US peace efforts. His remarks came after…
Former south Yemeni diplomat jailed for 'harming unity'
SANAA: A former Yemeni ambassador who is a southern secessionist activist received a five-year jail term on Sunday for "harming national unity." Qassem Askar, 58, an ambassador until 1994, was…
Switzerland defends Libyan travel ban scrapped by EU
GENEVA: Switzerland defended Sunday its ban on some Libyans traveling in Europe's Schengen zone, which the EU has lifted and apologized for, saying it was based on security needs and…
Two more nuclear sites suspected in Iran: report
WASHINGTON: UN inspectors and intelligence specialists in western countries believe Iran may be preparing to build at least two additional secret nuclear sites despite demands that it open up its…
Israel's Labor mulls quitting government
JERUSALEM: Israel's centre-left Labor party will meet next month to discuss quitting the government, a minister said Sunday, amid a lingering dispute between Israel and the United States over settlements.…
Afghanistan: peace in the north, war in the south
MAZAR-I-SHARIF: Thousands of Afghans took to the streets of northern cities to welcome their new year in a joyous celebration of music, dancing and fireworks. Less than 700 km to…
Pope 'deeply saddened' by Jerusalem clashes
VATICAN CITY: Pope Benedict XVI on Sunday voiced "deep sadness" over clashes in occupied east Jerusalem where Israel has defied international pressure with a plan to step up construction. "I…
Arabs rule out peace talks unless Israel halts settlements
SIRTE: Arab leaders on Sunday ruled out renewed Middle East peace talks unless Israel halts all settlement building and urged US President Barack Obama to keep up his opposition.At the…