Huge Beirut rally demands change Tens of thousands of supporters of the Hezbollah movement and its pro-Syrian allies have gathered in Beirut to protest against Lebanon’s government.

Annan urges wider anti-Aids battle Kofi Annan, the UN secretary-general, has called on people to hold their leaders accountable and to keep the momentum strong in the fight against Aids.

Ukraine pro-West ministers ousted Ukraine’s parliament on Friday voted to dismiss the foreign and interior ministers, allies of pro-Western President Viktor Yushchenko.

Olmert vs. Security Chiefs on Ceasefire Extension Prime Minister Ehud Olmert wants to extend the partial ceasefire with Gaza terrorist groups to Judea and Samaria. Security officials are warning against the move.

Al-Maliki Faces Revolt Within Government Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki faced a widening revolt within his divided government as two senior Sunni politicians joined prominent Shiite lawmakers and Cabinet members in criticizing his policies.

Pope hailed ‘for praying towards Mecca’ Pope Benedict wound up a fence-mending visit to Turkey on Friday amid praise from the local press for visiting Istanbul’s Blue Mosque and praying towards Mecca “like Muslims”.

Patience Key to Solving Mideast Problems Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice threw herself at two intractable Mideast problems – the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and Iraq – during a brief trip to the region, and encountered the reality that the U.S. has few options other than patience.

Cyprus threatens to block EU deal on Turkey talks Cyprus has threatened to block an EU agreement on the fate of Turkey’s membership talks if the union does not impose a new deadline on Ankara to normalise relations with Nicosia.

Shekel Becomes Safe Haven for Dollars Four years ago, a dollar cost five shekels and everyone hoarded greenbacks.

EU diplomat: Olmert refused European force to oversee ceasefire In meeting with EU diplomats, Olmert warns of terrorist attack which could endanger ceasefire, European sources commit to strengthening Palestinian presidential guard through fund transfer in cooperation with Israel.