IRAQ: Bechtel Departure Removes More Illusions

The decision of the giant engineering company Bechtel to withdraw from Iraq has left many Iraqis feeling betrayed. In its departure they see the end of remaining hopes for the reconstruction of Iraq.

IRAQ: Protecting Neither Facilities nor People

The Facilities Protection Service (FPS) created after the invasion of Iraq in 2003 has become the principal set of death squads in Iraq, senior leaders say.

IRAQ: Saddam Verdict Could Tear Iraqis Apart

The death sentence for former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein could deepen a divide that threatens to tear Iraqis apart.

IRAQ: U.S. Military Adopts Desperate Tactics

Increased violence is being countered by harsh new measures across the Sunni-dominated al-Anabar province west of Baghdad, residents say.

POLITICS-IRAN: Ahmadinejad’s Divine Inspiration

Amid a struggle between two major clerical factions for control of Iran's influential Assembly of Experts, President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is trying to shore up his conservative base by portraying himself as a man with a direct link to god.

IRAQ: Troubled Oil Begins to Surface

Through a steadily worsening security situation and deepening political divisions, a dispute is now erupting between Kurdish leaders and the Baghdad regime over access to oil resources.

IRAQ: Govt. Death Squads Ravaging Baghdad

Death squads from the Ministry of Interior posing as Iraqi police are killing more people than ever in the capital, emerging evidence shows.

HEALTH: Israel/Lebanon Conflict Leaves Deadly Legacy

The Israeli war against Lebanon was over soon after the United Nations brokered a ceasefire agreement last August. But while that may be true for outsiders, is not for the Lebanese.

EGYPT: Nuclear Ambition Could Mean a Presidential Dream

An announcement that the government intends to produce nuclear energy for peaceful purposes is provoking heated debate.

UAE: Traditional Dubai Water Transport Turns Eco-Friendly

Traditional water taxis, known here as abras, have plied the waters of Dubai Creek for decades, ferrying passengers and carrying cargo from one bank to another. Originally rowboats, the abras now speed along, propelled by diesel engines. But not for long. These symbols of Dubai culture will soon ride the green wave to become more eco-friendly.

IRAQ: Resistance Growing Up at School

The bomb went off just outside the school as the IPS correspondent stood speaking to children and teachers within.

MIDEAST: Peacemaking Goes Into Deep Coma

The Qatari foreign minister proposing a six-point plan for a Fatah-Hamas government of national unity, including a two-state solution to the Mideast conflict. The U.S. Secretary of State visiting Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert in a bid to revive long-moribund peace talks. Leaks to the press regarding a meeting between Olmert and a "very senior" figure in the Saudi regime, just as the Saudis are said to be actively trying to renew peace talks in the region.

IRAQ: An Unknown City Erupts

The little known city of Baquba is emerging as one of the hotbeds of resistance in Iraq, with clashes breaking out every day.

POLITICS-IRAN: Hardliners Try to Steer Crucial Polls

Iran's government is attempting to suppress its critics and consolidate its power before two key elections on Dec. 15 - for the Tehran city council and the national Assembly of Experts.

IRAQ: New Militias Push Govt Back Further

Reports of the setting up of U.S.-backed Sunni militias have brought new uncertainty to deepening chaos within Iraq.

IRAQ: Kirkuk Fearful of Future

The security situation in the northern oil-rich city of Kirkuk has further deteriorated over the past few weeks after the Iraqi government formed a committee assigned to "normalise the situation".

DEATH PENALTY: Seven Women Face Stoning in Iran

Amnesty International has issued an urgent appeal calling on its members to write letters to the Republic of Iran asking them not to stone seven women.

YEMEN: Opposition Loses, But Gains

Yemen President Ali Abdullah Saleh has been re-elected as expected, but the opposition gained new ground in elections earlier this week.

IRAQ: Home Raids Provoke Increased Unrest

Renewed raids at Iraqi homes by joint U.S.-Iraqi security forces are angering Iraqis - while failing to improve the worsening security situation.

IRAQ: Artists Speak For Lebanon

If art knows no boundaries, artists don't either. Through witnessing destruction all around them, Iraqi artists have found time to spare a thought and more for Lebanon.

IRAQ: A Government Without Governance

The national unity government led by Shia Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki has failed to deliver its promises to improve life for Iraqis. Five months after the government took over, the country still faces a rising tide of sectarian violence, and inadequate public services.