Libyan rivals agree on nationwide ceasefire

The two main rivals in conflict-ridden Libya have agreed on a nationwide ceasefire, except for in the fight against terrorist groups, and will work on holding early presidential and parliamentary elections, according to a joint declaration.

Mariano Rajoy reelected as Spanish Prime Minister

The conservative Mariano Rajoy was reelected as Prime Minister of Spain on Saturday after his investiture was ratified by Congress.

Spain's King to meet political leaders ahead of last attempt to elect PM

Spanish King Felipe VI is to meet with political party leaders on Oct. 24-25 to discuss the available options in Spain's attempt to form a government, the King's office said on Tuesday.

Syria government 'approves' US-Russia truce deal: state media

Syria's government Saturday approved a ceasefire deal brokered by its Russian ally and the US to end fighting in the war-ravaged country, but the main opposition group was more cautious.

Libya pro-govt forces announce capture of ISIS Sirte headquarters

Pro-government forces in Libya said they seized control of the Islamic State group's headquarters in Sirte on Wednesday as they push to oust the jihadists from the coastal city.

Libyan forces 'retake port' in ISIL bastion of Sirte (video)

Forces loyal to Libya's internationally backed government say they have recaptured both the port and airport of Sirte from the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), forcing the armed group also known as ISIS to retreat.

US rejects Russia proposal for joint Syria airstrikes

The US on Friday rejected a Russian proposal that the two countries launch joint air strikes against jihadist groups in Syria including the al Qaeda-linked Nusra Front.

Socialist Sanchez confirms Spain is heading for new elections

Pedro Sanchez, leader of the socialist PSOE party, confirmed on Tuesday that Spain is heading for new elections, after he could not guarantee enough votes that would secure him the country's prime minister post.

Staffan de Mistura: Kurds must be able to give views. “For me, the only elections that count are those decided by the Security Council"

UN envoy Staffan de Mistura said Saturday that Syria’s Kurds have a right to express their views on the country’s political future, even if they are not invited to next week’s peace talks in Geneva.

Libya parliament rejects UN-backed unity government

Libya's internationally recognised parliament based in Tobruk has voted against the UN-backed unity government with rival authorities based in Tripoli, Libyan news agencies reported.

Major powers agree on UN draft resolution on Syrian peace process

The five permanent UN Security Council members have agreed on a draft resolution endorsing the Syrian peace process, diplomats said Friday.

ISIL/ISIS captures last government oilfield in Syria

The Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) fighters have captured the last major oilfield under Syrian government control during deadly clashes over a vast central desert zone, a monitoring group said.

Syrian army and rebels agree to new truce in Zabadani

Syrian rebels and forces loyal to the country's President Bashar al-Assad have agreed to a new ceasefire to end government bombardment of the town of Zabadani and the rebel siege of two Shia villages.

World presses Netanyahu after upset election win. Israel PM Netanyahu softens stance on Palestinian state

As Benjamin Netanyahu weighed up options for a new right-wing coalition Thursday, Western governments cranked up the pressure on the Israeli premier over his controversial campaign pledge ruling out a Palestinian state.

Greece offers olive branch as search for allies begins

Greece sought to repair relations with its international creditors on Saturday (Jan 31) as the new anti-austerity government began a charm offensive in European capitals, even as Germany insisted it would not support any debt relief...

Israelis demand govt resignation after Jerusalem attack

Hundreds of Israelis demonstrated in west Jerusalem on Tuesday to demand the government's resignation in the wake of a deadly attack on a Jewish synagogue in which four Israelis were killed.

Turkish government gets OK for military operations in Syria, Iraq. The mandate to begin tomorrow will last for one year.

A comprehensive motion authorizing the government to deploy the Turkish army into Iraq and Syria and to allow the deployment of foreign troops on Turkish soil was approved Oct. 2 in Parliament, providing the necessary legality for Turkey’s potential contribution to the international coalition’s efforts to destroy jihadists.

The motion, based on Article 92 of the Turkish Constitution, received 298 votes in favor and 98 against.

Turkey’s ISIL mandate includes 'military action abroad, opening bases to foreign troops'

The mandate the Turkish government is seeking from the Parliament to authorize the army to send troops into Iraq and Syria to deal with growing threat of extremist jihadists does also include opening its bases to foreign troops, a senior government official has said, signalling about potential Turkish contribution to the international military campaign against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL).

“The motion we are about to send the Parliament is going to be comprehensive and to deal today’s and tomorrow’s threats,” deputy Prime Minister and spokesperson of the government, Bülent Arınç told reporters Sept. 30 following weekly cabinet meeting.

UN declares Iraq emergency amid clashes

Declaration of emergency will bring in more funds and aid for those displaced by fighting in the country....

The United Nations has declared its highest level of emergency in Iraq as fresh clashes between government troops and Sunni rebels killed four children west of Baghdad.
Fighting erupted early on Thursday in the rebel-held city of Fallujah, about 65km west of Baghdad.
The clashes on the city's northern outskirts killed four children, along with a woman and at least 10 fighters, said Fallujah hospital director Ahmed Shami.

Iraq's new PM backed by US, Iran

Iraq's new prime minister-designate won swift endorsements from uneasy mutual allies the United States and Iran today as he called on political leaders to end crippling feuds that have let jihadists seize a third of the country.
Haider al-Abadi still faces opposition closer to home, where his Shi'ite party colleague Nuri al-Maliki has refused to step aside after eight years as premier that have alienated Iraq's once dominant Sunni minority and irked Washington and Tehran.