middle-east
Violence escalates in Iraq even after top cleric urges calm
Baghdad, Oct 5 (AP/UNB) — Security forces opened fire directly at hundreds of anti-government demonstrators Friday in central Baghdad, killing at least 17 protesters and injuring dozens, hours after Iraq's top Shiite cleric warned both sides to end four days of violence "before it's too late."
Shiite cleric warns Iraq’s leaders; protest death toll at 42
Baghdad, Oct 4 (AP/UNB) — Iraq’s top Shiite cleric on Friday sharply criticized the government in the wake of deadly violence gripping the country, urging both the political leaders and the protesters to pull back “before it is too late” as the death toll in this week’s anti-government demonstrations climbed to 42.
3 Gulf nations urge their citizens to leave Iraq
Baghdad, Oct 4 (AP/UNB) — Three Gulf Arab nations have advised their citizens to avoid traveling to Iraq and those who are there to leave the country immediately.
Death toll rises to 38 in Iraq's violent protests
Baghdad, Oct. 4 (Xinhua/UNB) -- The death toll in three days of protests in Iraq climbed to 38 and more than 1,648 people were wounded, a member of the Iraqi human rights body said on Friday.
Lebanon's labor minister asks Syrian refugees to register newborns
Beirut, Oct. 4 (Xinhua/UNB) -- Lebanese Labor Minister Camille Abousleiman called upon Syrian refugees on Friday to register their children who were born in Lebanon, a statement by his ministry said.
US sanctions squeezing Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon
Beirut, Oct 4 (AP/UNB) — The conflict between Iran and the U.S. that has created tensions throughout much of the Middle East is now also being felt in Lebanon, where Washington has slapped sanctions on the Iran-backed Hezbollah and warned they could soon expand to its allies, further deepening the tiny Arab country’s economic crisis.
Iraqi PM addresses the nation, urges protesters to go home
Baghdad, Oct 4 (AP/UNB) — Iraq’s premier on Friday urged anti-government protesters to go home, saying their “legitimate demands” have been heard while also comparing security measures imposed in the wake of this week’s violence, including a curfew, to “bitter medicine” that needs to be swallowed.
Saudi crown prince denies ordering journalist's murder
New York, Sep 30 (AP/UNB) — Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman said in a television interview that he takes "full responsibility" for the grisly murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, but denied allegations that he ordered it.
Iran releases seized UK-flagged tanker
Tehran, Sep 27 (AP/UNB) — A British-flagged oil tanker held by Iran since July was released Friday and was heading toward the United Arab Emirates, the company that owns the vessel said.
Israel arrests Palestinian minister of Jerusalem affairs
Jerusalem, Sep 25 (AP/UNB) — Israeli police say they have arrested the Palestinian minister of Jerusalem affairs for conducting political activity in east Jerusalem.