Curfew eased after Saddam verdict Iraqi authorities have begun to lift a round-the-clock curfew in Baghdad, a day after Saddam Hussein was sentenced to death for crimes against humanity.

Report: Hamas, Fatah OK unity gov’t London-based Arab newspaper Al-Hayat reported on Monday that a resolution of both the economic crisis in the Palestinian territories and the issue of kidnapped IDF soldier Cpl. Gilad Shalit was a prerequisite for a Palestinian unity government.

Merkel warns Turkey on ‘very, very serious situation’ German chancellor Angela Merkel has issued a stark warning to Turkey saying there will be no “business as usual” in Ankara’s EU membership talks if it continues to be defiant on the Cyprus issue.

Syria hints at armed struggle for Golan Syria could resort to armed resistance if peace negotiations fail to make Israel give back the Golan Heights.

Summit shows China’s Africa clout China’s Africa summit has ended in Beijing, with the Chinese government pledging to double both aid and trade with African nations.

The struggle for Lebanon Lebanon’s deeply fragmented political scene is trapped in a deepening crisis amid power plays by major regional actors and a significant rise in inter-communal tensions.

Israeli Sheikh: Temple Mount is Entirely Islamic Responding to a plan to build a synagogue on Judaism’s most sacred site, Sheikh Raad Salah warns that the entire complex is Moslem.

Iran commander: Troops trained for suicide missions Iran is ready to share its missile systems with friends and neighbors, the commander of the Revolutionary Guards said.

Photo Essay: A Visit to the Matriarch Rachel’s Fortified Tomb Every year on the anniversary of her untimely death, tens of thousands of Jews make the pilgrimage to the Biblical matriarch Rachel�s tomb on the outskirts of Bethlehem.

Haggard confesses to ‘lifelong’ sexual problem Less than 24 hours after being fired from the mega-church he founded, evangelical Pastor Ted Haggard confessed to a “lifelong” sexual problem.