Iraq protests: Two dead as police fire tear gas amid fresh unrest

Image copyright Reuters Image caption Iraqi security forces blocked protesters as they tried to reach government buildings At least two people were killed as protests escalated in the Iraqi capital Baghdad, with police firing tear gas to repel demonstrators. The dead were reportedly hit by tear gas canisters. Scores were injured, including security forces. Protests […]

Iran cuts off man’s fingers for theft

Image copyright Getty Images Image caption The amputation took place at a prison in northern Iran Amnesty International has condemned Iranian authorities for cutting off the fingers of a man convicted of theft. The rights group said the amputation, carried out at a prison in the northern province of Mazandaran, was “an abhorrent form of […]

Iran cuts off man’s fingers for theft

Image copyright Getty Images Image caption The amputation took place at a prison in northern Iran Amnesty International has condemned Iranian authorities for cutting off the fingers of a man convicted of theft. The rights group said the amputation, carried out at a prison in the northern province of Mazandaran, was “an abhorrent form of […]

Turkey Syria offensive: Kurds accuse Turkish army of violating ceasefire

Image copyright AFP Image caption Funerals were held on Thursday for three SDF fighters killed in fighting near Ras al-Ain Kurdish-led forces in north-east Syria have accused Turkish troops and allied Syrian rebels of violating a ceasefire deal that ended a two-week offensive. The head of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) alliance, Mazloum Abdi, said […]

Turkey Syria offensive: Kurdish girl loses her leg to Turkish bomb

A Turkish bomb that struck a Kurdish community in northern Syria, left eight-year-old Sara with serious injuries. The Turkish offensive began after the US announced a sudden and unexpected withdrawal of its troops from northern Syria. The US troops had been supporting the Kurdish fighters, who have been allies in the fight against the Islamic […]

Israel’s Benny Gantz tasked with forming coalition government

Image copyright Getty Images Image caption Benny Gantz (L) received the mandate from President Reuven Rivlin Israeli ex-military chief Benny Gantz has been tasked with forming a coalition government after PM Benjamin Netanyahu’s efforts ended in deadlock. It is the first time that someone other than Mr Netanyahu has received such a mandate since 2009. […]

Lebanon protests: ‘I feel proud to be Lebanese’

Protests against the government in Lebanon are continuing, despite the army moving to reopen key roads. The demonstrations that began on October 17 were sparked by a proposed tax increase. Prime Minister Saad Hariri has presented a series of reforms but the protesters say that they will continue to rally until the government steps down. […]

Iran parades jailed Instagram star on TV

Iran parades jailed Instagram star on TV

Image copyright IRTV2 Image caption The star’s arrest and subsequent TV ‘confession’ has been denounced on social media Iranian TV has broadcast an interview with an Instagram star who was reportedly jailed for blasphemy in October. Sahar Tabar gained worldwide fame on social media for her eerie likeness to American actress Angelina Jolie – a […]

Turkey Syria offensive: Trump orders Turkey sanctions to be lifted

Image copyright Reuters The US is lifting sanctions on Turkey after its recent offensive against Kurdish fighters in north-eastern Syria, President Donald Trump says. His decision came after Russia agreed with Turkey to use troops to extend a ceasefire along the Syrian border. Turkey’s offensive began after Mr Trump’s unexpected decision to withdraw US troops […]

Turkey Syria offensive: Erdogan threatens to resume assault when ceasefire ends

Image copyright Reuters Image caption Turkish-backed Syrian rebels have captured the border town of Tal Abyad Turkey’s president has threatened to resume an offensive in north-east Syria unless Kurdish fighters withdraw from the border before a ceasefire ends. Up to 1,300 People’s Protection Units (YPG) militia members still had to pull back before 22:00 (19:00 […]