Breaking news from the MIDDLE EAST

Iran to attend nuclear talks in Kazakhstan
IRAN

Iran to attend nuclear talks in Kazakhstan

Iran is to discuss its disputed nuclear programme with world powers in Kazakhstan on February 26, however news of the announcement on Tuesday was tempered after an Iranian official said the Wests’ goal was to undermine Tehran.
Assad accuses Israel of seeking to destabilise Syria
SYRIA - ISRAEL

Assad accuses Israel of seeking to destabilise Syria

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad on Sunday accused Israel of trying to destabilise the war-ravaged country by attacking a military compound near Damascus last week, and said Syria could confront “threats and aggression,” state media reported.
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Dozens killed in Iraq police compound attack
IRAQ

Dozens killed in Iraq police compound attack

At least 33 people were killed on Sunday after a suicide bomber and two gunmen attacked a police headquarters in Kirkuk, northern Iraq, official sources said, the third major attack in the area in several weeks.
Netanyahu asked to form Israeli government
ISRAEL

Netanyahu asked to form Israeli government

Israeli President Shimon Peres on Saturday asked Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to form the country's next government, following last month’s elections. Netanyahu pledged that he would be committed to advancing peace talks with the Palestinians.
UN calls on Israel to remove over 500,000 settlers
ISRAEL

UN calls on Israel to remove over 500,000 settlers

The United Nations’ first report on Israel’s settlements policy concluded Thursday that the government’s practice of “creeping annexation” clearly violates the human rights of Palestinians and called for the withdrawal of 500,000 settlers.
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Sharon shows signs of brain activity after seven years in coma
ISRAEL

Sharon shows signs of brain activity after seven years in coma

Seven years after slipping into a coma following a massive stroke, former Israeli prime minister Ariel Sharon has surprised his doctors by displaying “a certain degree of consciousness”.
JORDAN

Islamist boycott overshadows Jordan vote

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Iraq ‘oil-for-food’ corruption trial opens in Paris
FRANCE

Iraq ‘oil-for-food’ corruption trial opens in Paris

The chief of oil giant Total, Christophe de Margerie, and former French Interior Minister Charles Pasqua (pictured) appeared in a French court on Tuesday over allegations of corruption and bribery in the United Nations oil-for-food programme in Iraq.
MALI

Is Qatar fuelling the crisis in north Mali?

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Hamas offers Hebrew classes in Gaza
PALESTINIAN TERRITORIES

Hamas offers Hebrew classes in Gaza

Since the beginning of the academic year in the Gaza Strip, a university programme – put in place by Hamas – to teach Hebrew to aspiring Palestinian teachers has been in full swing. The militant Islamic group is calling it “an act of resistance”.
FRANCE - JUSTICE

France to release Lebanese militant despite US concern

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12:38
Fierce battles erupt in Syria's Aleppo: watchdog - AFP
12:26
Eight dead on third day of Iraq suicide bombs - AFP
11:54
Violence follows Syrian refugee women and children - AFP
11:29
Iran says will attend nuclear talks on Feb 26 - AFP
11:21
Syria rebels tighten noose around key Idlib city - AFP
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