Iraq set to announce partial election results

Iraq PM in contest with ex-premier for poll lead

BAGHDAD (Agencies)

Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki was in a tight contest to keep his job as he vied with ex-premier Iyad Allawi, initial election results from four of the country's 18 provinces showed Thursday. Four days after the election, Maliki and Allawi, both Shiite, have emerged nationally as the main...More

Iraqi workers counting votes at the IHEC headquarters in Baghdad

Iraqi workers counting votes at the IHEC headquarters in Baghdad

Biden arrives in Jordan for further Mideast talks

Washington says it believes Mideast talks still on

The United States said on Thursday it believed indirect Mideast peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians were still on, saying it had no confirmation that the Palestinians had decided to drop out. State Department spokesman P.J. Crowley cast doubt over comments by Arab League chief Amr Moussa on Wednesday saying that...More

U.S. Vice President Joe Biden seen here before departing Israel's Ben Gurion Airport heading to Jordan

Messi to use his fame to help world vulnerable children

UNICEF appoints Messi a Goodwill Ambassador

UNICEF on Thursday appointed Barcelona forward Lionel Messi a global Goodwill Ambassador. The 2009 FIFA World Player of the Year received the honor in a ceremony in Barcelona. UNICEF's Goodwill Ambassadors seek to create public awareness of children's issues and include Shakira, Roger Moore and Queen Rania of...More

Barcelona's Messi smiles after signing the agreement to undertake the role of UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador for 2 years

Iran's Ahmadinejad accuses US of destabilizing the Gulf

Saudi, UAE to press China on Iran sanctions: US

U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates (L) during his meeting with Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed

Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have signaled a "willingness" to press China to support tough new sanctions on Iran, United States Defense...More

Three protesters die in clashes with security forces

Thousands protest against crackdown in Yemen

Thousands gathered for demonstrations to demand an easing of the crackdown in south Yemen

Yemeni forces launched an attack on Thursday to recapture a government building occupied by separatists in the south of the country, setting off a gunfight, a...More

Lack of Sudan voter awareness a major concern: EU

EU to send 130 monitors to Sudan's April polls

A woman holds carries her baby at a refugee camp in the Kassala State, eastern Sudan (File)

The European Union says it will send 130 observers to make sure Sudan's general elections in April are free and fair. EU foreign policy chief...More

Somali govt says big offensive against insurgents yet to come

Death toll hits 54 from clashes in Somali capital

Somali soldiers cross a street during heavy fighting with insurgents in northern Mogadishu

The death toll from two days of fighting in Somalia's capital between government forces and al-Shabaab rebels has risen to 54, ambulance services said on...More

Journalist arrested on suspicion of espionage

Hamas releases British journalist in Gaza

Paul Martin is to be freed without charge or penalty

Paul Martin, a British freelance journalist arrested by Hamas in the Gaza Strip last month and held on suspicion of espionage for Israel, was released on...More

Darfur donor meeting in March eyes $2 billion

A donor conference for Darfur this month is intended to raise $2 billion for infrastructure, health, water and other projects in the war-ravaged Sudanese region, the Egyptian hosts said on...More

Dubai police chief orders out foreign spies

Israel under pressure as prospects of talks fade

US defense chief in Saudi for talks on Iran

Ahmadinejad, Gates trade barbs in Afghanistan

Iran's outspoken president on Wednesday accused the United States of playing a double game in Afghanistan and mocked the U.S. defense secretary during their overlapping visits to the country. ...More

Gunmen attack Western aid office in Pakistan

US woman accused of terror plot in Sweden

UN agency punished Somalia whistleblower

UAE road safety officers push for child car seats

Safety advocates recounted on Wednesday a recent accident where a mother was killed while driving because she was distracted by her child, in the hopes that drivers will learn to strap in their...More

The Hurt Locker grabs 6 Oscars, Avatar wins 3

Director rejects Israel link before Oscars

US' Microsoft blocks Mideast online sex searches

Russian pilots to be replaced with Iranians

Iran's transport minister said on Saturday that Russian pilots flying for Iranian airlines will be replaced by local cockpit crew within two months, the Fars news agency reported. ...More

Short days after Chile quake moved earth's axis

Boeing sued over Ethiopian Air crash in Lebanon

AGFUND opens banks for the poor in Arab World

Net founders, China critics up for Nobel prize

A record 237 candidates are in the running for this year's Nobel Peace Prize, the Nobel Institute said Wednesday, with Chinese dissidents and the founders of the Internet known to be on the...More