Latest in Region Highlight
Latest in Region
Terror in Baghdad: ‘They just want to spread fear’
Many Iraqis are in shock after a massive ‘Islamic State’ (IS) bomb attack in Baghdad on Sunday. DW journalist Abbas al-Kashali discusses what is driving the spiraling violence and possible approaches to countering it.
The UK’s Iraq Inquiry that took longer than the war
Two million words long, seven years in the making: The Chilcot Inquiry called 129 witnesses, including former British Prime Minister Tony Blair. Blair can expect a critical review, but probably not a future court date.
Africa is coming back to Israel: Netanyahu
The Israeli prime minister held a summit with seven African leaders in Uganda, along with representatives from 50 Israeli companies
Egypt condemns explosions that hit Saudi Arabia Monday
Explosions blasted three cities in Saudi Arabia in less than 24 hours
In Cartoon: West Muslims and East Christians are minorities
Amnesty: Syrian rebels guilty of ‘war crimes’
Amnesty International says some Syrian opposition groups are carrying out abductions, torture and summary killings. The rights group called on international backers to stop sending arms to some Syrian rebels.
Udo Steinbach: ‘The physical end of ‘Islamic State’ is approaching’
In Syria and Iraq, the ‘Islamic State’ group has been losing ground for months, but worldwide, its attacks are becoming more effective. Middle East expert Udo Steinbach detects change within the terrorist militia.
Attack near Prophet’s Mosque in Medina, third Saudi bombing in one day
A man has blown himself up near the second holiest site in Islam. The attack in Medina follows similar blasts in Jeddah and Qatif
Attack near Prophet’s Mosque in Medina, third Saudi bombing in one day
A man has blown himself up near the second holiest site in Islam. The attack in Medina follows similar blasts in Jeddah and Qatif.
One killed, two injured in explosion near US Consulate in Jeddah
The attacker stopped his car in front of a hospital near the US consulate
Israel razes homes of two knife attackers
Israeli troops have clashed with protesters while destroying the family homes of two Palestinians in Qalandiya refugee camp. During the demolition, the soldiers opened fire and wounded four Palestinian youths.
Bomb attack near US consulate in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
A suicide bomber has detonated an explosive device near the US consulate in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Initial reports indicate the bomber died in the explosion and two people were injured.
Israel imposes lockdown on tens of thousands of Palestinians in Hebron
Israel has bolstered security in a major crackdown around Hebron that is affecting tens of thousands of civilians. The lockdown comes in response to two recent attacks on Jewish settlers.
Turkish-Israeli reconciliation paves way for aid to Gaza
Turkey has sent food, medicine and clothes to Gaza via the Israeli port of Ashdod, as part of its rapprochement with Israel. The move comes six years after a deadly raid by Israeli commandos on another Turkish aid ship.
PLO concerned over Quartet committee report
For the first time the report tackled the Israeli-Palestinian conflict
US and Russia discuss possibility of increased cooperation in Syria
“The discussion was about the options for settling the Syrian conflict, including the possibility of Russian-US cooperation in the fight against terrorist groups active in Syria,” the Russian statement read
Many killed in Islamic State bombing in Baghdad
Baghdad was rocked by two explosions ahead of the end of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. “Islamic State” jihadists have claimed responsibility for one of the attacks.
Syrian airstrikes kill 20 civilians near Damascus after pilot execution
The Syrian regime has launched a major aerial operation on a rebel-held town near the capital, effectively ending a local truce. Rebels claim the airstrikes were retaliation for the execution of a government pilot.
Shoukry discusses bilateral relations, counter-terrorism with Iraq’s top officials
The visit aims to affirm Egypt’s support for Iraq in facing the current challenges, in particular fighting terrorism, says spokesperson
Israeli air force strikes four locations in Gaza in response to rocket attack
The raids caused damage, no injuries occurred, according to Palestinian sources
Air strike kills two Islamic State military commanders
A US-led air strike killed two senior Islamic State (IS) commanders in late June. The Pentagon said that one of the targets was the movement’s deputy minister of war.
Hajj pilgrims to be given e-bracelets for safety in Mecca
Saudi newspapers have reported that pilgrims joining this year’s Hajj will have to wear an electronic safety bracelet. Last year, more than 2,000 people died in a stampede during the religious festival.
Mideast ‘Quartet’ demands Israel end Palestine occupation
The Middle East Quartet, including the US, Russia, the European Union and the UN, has said a two-nation model is the only solution to the Palestinian conflict. However, no timelines have been fixed for negotiations.
Riek Machar: ‘We made a deal’
In South Sudan, ceasefire monitors have warned of “appalling” violence in breach of a peace deal, despite the formation of a unity government under former rivals President Salva Kiir and Riek Machar.
Russia, Turkey foreign ministers hold first meeting to thaw ties
Sergei Lavrov, Russia’s foreign minister, has met with Turkey’s Mevlut Cavusoglu to discuss ties after Turkey downed a Russian jet at the Syrian border last year.
Syrian rebels advance on ‘Islamic State’-held border town
A new alliance of rebel groups has started to retreat from the border town after suffering heavy casualties. Anti-IS forces have stepped up operations to uproot the militant group in Iraq and Syria.
Refugees in Iraq caught between soldiers and jihadists
Iraqi fighting forces are preparing an attack on Mosul. Thousands of people have fled the city ahead of the expected battle, yet aid organizations expect even larger waves of refugees soon.
Shoukry heads to Palestine to deliver Al-Sisi’s message to Abbas
Foreign Affairs Minister Sameh Shoukry heads to Ramallah on Wednesday, to deliver a verbal message from President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi to the president of the Palestinian Authority, Mahmoud Abbas. The ministry said on Tuesday that Shoukry will also hold discussions with Abbas, prime minister Rami Hamdallah, foreign minister Riyad Al-Maliki, and other top Palestinian officials. …
Wave of suicide bombings in Yemen leaves 19 dead
At least 19 people have been killed in a wave of suicide bombings against Yemeni troops in Mukalla. The city had been under Al-Qaeda control for a year before pro-government troops drove out the jihadists in April.
Turkey agreement will not eliminate naval blockade on Gaza: Netanyahu
Israel and Turkey have reached an agreement to normalize relations after six years of tension