IRAQ: U.S. Resorting to ‘Collective Punishment’

U.S. forces are taking to collective punishment of civilians in several cities across the al-Anabar province west of Baghdad, residents and officials say.

MIDEAST: Hezbollah Ahead of Govt Again

Sectarian political fissures are widening in Lebanon nearly one month after a United Nations brokered ceasefire went into affect, due in part to a muted political battle being waged internally between Hezbollah and the Lebanese government as both attempt to show displaced Lebanese residents that they are committed to rebuilding their lives and their homes.

IRAQ: Fallujah Under Threat Yet Again

After enduring two major assaults, Fallujah is under threat from U.S. forces again, residents say.

DEATH PENALTY: Jordan Reduces Crimes Eligible for Execution

In lowering the number of crimes for which the death penalty would be eligible, the Jordanian government says it has moved one step closer to becoming the first Arab state to abolish capital punishment altogether.

MIDEAST: Olmert Faces His Battle Now

Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert must be wondering from where the next blow to his increasingly tenuous hold on office is going to come.

IRAQ: U.S. Losing Control Fast

The U.S. military has lost control over the volatile al-Anbar province, Iraqi police and residents say.

IRAQ: Kirkuk Confronts an Uncertain Future

Rahman Aziz, 37, laughs out loud with his friend Rahman as they sit together across from the old citadel in this northern Iraqi city. The city needs their laughter.

RIGHTS-IRAN: Nobel Peace Winner Threatened With Arrest

Nine Nobel Prize laureates have sent a letter to the Iranian government asking it to retract its threat to prosecute Iran's most prominent independent human rights organisation founded by Dr. Shirin Ebadi, winner of the 2003 Nobel Peace Prize.

IRAQ: Kurds Want Genocide to Be Recognised

Fanning her grandchild in a cradle, Bahiya, 74, recalls "the most difficult time" of her life.

MIDEAST: West Bank Faces War Fall-Out

Just three weeks ago, Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert was still enthusing about his plan for a unilateral withdrawal from most of the West Bank. The fighting in Lebanon, he said in an interview in early August, had not doused his determination to move forward with his plan. In fact, he said, the conflict with Hezbollah would ultimately help in promoting it.

IRAQ: Ever Closer to Fears of Civil War

Hanan's family could never have thought three years ago of leaving Baghdad. They had lived for years in peace with their Shia neighbours in the ethnically mixed Shaab district. All that changed the morning they saw a letter in their courtyard giving them three days to leave.

MIDEAST: Lebanon Picking Up the Pieces

With the fighting over and many displaced Lebanese residents returning home, the focus is turning toward how to rebuild Lebanon's infrastructure and economy.

IRAQ: To Many, Lebanon Appears as a Mirror Image

Iraqis are beginning to see striking similarities between Lebanese civilians and their own position three years ago.

MIDEAST: What Israel Gained – Or Lost

As a ceasefire went into effect Monday morning between Israel and Hezbollah and a tense calm descended on the region, Israelis were wondering whether the truce would hold, and were beginning to ask questions about what they had gained - or lost - during the 33 days of fighting.

MIDEAST: Iranian Shadow Lengthens over Lebanon

While many Lebanese are united in their resentment against Israel for its assault on their country, they are divided in their views of Hezbollah - and of one of its main supporters, Iran.

MIDEAST: Bombing Stalls Cleanup of Massive Oil Spill

As Israeli bombs continue to fall from the skies across Lebanon, destroying homes, parks, roads, bridges, forests, hospitals and power stations, scientists say the enormous amount of toxic waste unleashed by the attack will continue to affect human lives and the environment long after the fighting is over.

MIDEAST: Israel’s Military Invincibility Dented by Hezbollah

Israel's phenomenal victories against collective Arab armies in 1967 and later against Egypt in 1973 firmly established the Jewish state's legendary military superiority in the Middle East.

MIDEAST: Christians Caught in Political Crossfire

Many Lebanese Christians say they feel caught in the middle of a war in which they have a lot to lose and little to gain.

MIDEAST: Arab League Also Steps In

Many Lebanese are welcoming a show of unity by Arab ministers who decided in Beirut Monday to send a delegation to the United Nations to represent Lebanon's interests in ending the current conflict.

MIDEAST: Hezbollah Rides a New Popularity

As the war in Lebanon approaches the one-month mark, and amid the destruction of much of Lebanon, Hezbollah appears to be gaining strength within the country and around the Arab world.

MIDEAST: Staying Put Amid the Bombing

Residents of south Lebanon's biggest city and the refugees who have joined them are staying put despite warnings from Israel that it plans to bomb "Hezbollah rocket launching sites" in Sidon, according to the city's mayor.