MIDDLE EAST

Israel braces for bitter fight after Netanyahu indictment

Israel’s main parties begin talks on coalition government

2:39 pm September 24, 2019

Jerusalem: Israel’s two largest parties met Tuesday to discuss the possibility of forming a unity government, in a long-shot effort to solve the political paralysis that has emerged from last week’s deadlocked national elections. The meeting between party representatives comes a day after Blue and White leader Benny Gantz and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of […]

Israel's Benjamin Netanyahu and his main opponent Benny Gantz agree to explore unity government

Israel’s Netanyahu, Gantz agree to explore unity government

9:04 am September 24, 2019

Jerusalem: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his main opponent Benny Gantz agreed to explore options for a unity government Monday as they met for the first time since last week’s election at the request of Israel’s president. The key meeting came as the deadlocked vote results threatened Netanyahu’s long tenure in office, though he […]

Taliban cheer Trump tweet promising early troop withdrawal

Chinese officials hold talks with Taliban delegation

8:39 pm September 23, 2019

Beijing: Chinese officials have held talks with a Taliban delegation ahead of the presidential elections in Afghanistan on September 28 and US President Donald Trump cancelling a meeting with the militant group in the war torn country. The Taliban delegation, headed by Mullah Baradar, spoke to China’s special envoy to Afghanistan Deng Xijun on Sunday, […]

Afghan officials: 24 civilians killed in anti-Taliban raid

8:19 pm September 23, 2019

Kabul: At least 24 civilians were killed Monday during a raid conducted by Afghan special forces on Taliban hideouts in the southern Helmand province, provincial officials said. Abdul Majed Akhund, deputy provincial councilman, said that initial reports showed 24 civilians were killed, but the number “possibly would rise” when a final toll was available. Attahullah […]

Israelis await president’s PM choice after crucial talks end

8:16 pm September 23, 2019

Jerusalem: Israel’s president wrapped up his second and final day of crucial talks to find a new prime minister and a way out of political deadlock, after meeting Monday with the smaller parties elected in last week’s vote. After hearing the recommendations from the remaining party for who should head a government, President Reuven Rivlin […]