World News - Middle East
100,000 Saudi security for hajj pilgrimage
JIDDAH, Saudi Arabia - Thursday, 04 December 2008 22:33:18
By ALI AKBAR DAREINI - Associated Press Writer
Saudi Arabia deployed some 100,000 security personnel to keep order as Muslim pilgrims flooded into the holy city of Mecca in preparation for the annual hajj, beginning on Saturday.
Israeli forces storm West Bank settler house
HEBRON, West Bank - Thursday, 04 December 2008 22:23:52
By NASSER SHIYOUKHI - Associated Press Writer
Israeli security forces stormed a disputed house in the biblical city of Hebron on Thursday, dragging out some 250 settlers who barricaded themselves inside and hurled rocks, eggs and chemicals.
Iraqi council gives final approval to pact with US
BAGHDAD - Thursday, 04 December 2008 22:10:52
By QASSIM ABDUL-ZAHRA and SAMEER N. YACOUB - Associated Press Writers
Iraq's presidential council on Thursday approved a security pact that sets out a three-year timeframe for U.S. troops to leave, a spokesman said, the final step for the agreement to replace a U.N. mandate that expires Dec. 31.
Israeli security forces evacuate settler house
HEBRON, West Bank - Thursday, 04 December 2008 21:07:26
Israeli security forces on Thursday began dragging Jewish settlers out of one of the most volatile flashpoints in the West Bank: a disputed house in the biblical town of Hebron.
BAGHDAD - Thursday, 04 December 2008 20:35:19
Spokesman says Iraq's presidential council has approved US security pact in deal's final step.
Gaza banks close as cash dwindles during blockade
GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip - Thursday, 04 December 2008 20:13:35
Banks in the Gaza Strip have shut down to count their dwindling cash.
Iraq officials: Car bombings in Fallujah kill 10
BAGHDAD - Thursday, 04 December 2008 19:18:41
By SAMEER N. YACOUB - Associated Press Writer
Two suicide car bombers took aim at police stations in the former Sunni insurgent stronghold of Fallujah on Thursday, killing at least 10 people and wounding more than 100, Iraqi officials said.
Iraq: Truck bombings in Fallujah kills 10
BAGHDAD - Thursday, 04 December 2008 18:55:46
By SAMEER N. YACOUB - Associated Press Writer
Iraqi officials say suicide bombers in two explosives-laden trucks targeted police stations in the former insurgent stronghold of Fallujah, killing at least 10 people and wounding dozens more.
Israel's troubled Labor Party struggles to survive
JERUSALEM - Thursday, 04 December 2008 18:23:29
By AMY TEIBEL - Associated Press Writer
Not much is going right for Israel's once-powerful Labor Party.
US: 4 insurgents killed, 32 detained in Iraq
BAGHDAD - Thursday, 04 December 2008 17:45:14
The U.S. military says four suspected insurgents have been killed and 32 detained in operations targeting al-Qaida in Iraq.
US mil: 4 insurgents killed, 32 detained in Iraq
BAGHDAD - Thursday, 04 December 2008 17:40:57
The U.S. military says four suspected insurgents have been killed and 32 detained in operations targeting al-Qaida in Iraq.
Iraq: Obama calls Iraqi PM to discuss cooperation
BAGHDAD - Thursday, 04 December 2008 17:23:02
The Iraqi government says President-elect Barack Obama has called Iraq's prime minister and stressed his commitment to a responsible withdrawal of American forces from Iraq.
Israelis can't escape troubles in world travels
TEL AVIV, Israel - Thursday, 04 December 2008 16:42:34
By ARON HELLER - Associated Press Writer
After three grueling years of compulsory service in the Israeli military, 21-year-old Arbel Altschuler is heading for some peace and quiet in what has become the most popular haven for thousands of recently discharged Israeli soldiers _ India.