Iran wants to supply Lebanon army, Hezbollah with arms

Iran’s defense minister said Sunday that Iran was ready to cover Lebanon’s defense needs and also that of the militant anti-Israeli group Hezbollah, the ISNA news agency reported.

“Iran has constantly said that it would be beside the Lebanese army and resistance (Hezbollah) (more…)

Egypt picks parliament after roundup of opposition

Egyptians voted Sunday in a parliamentary election that was marred by a crackdown on the main opposition movement and on independent media, as well as tensions with the United States over the government’s insistence on barring international monitors.

In the run-up to the vote, at least 1,200 supporters of the Islamic fundamentalist Muslim Brotherhood were arrested (more…)

Cargo plane crashed in Pakistan, killing 8

A cargo plane crashed into a housing complex in Pakistan’s largest city soon after takeoff Sunday, setting off a huge blaze and killing all eight Russian crew on board, the civil aviation authority said

At least one person on the ground was injured. (more…)

Iraqi PM: No need for US troops after 2011

Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki said Saturday that an agreement requiring U.S. troops to leave by the end of 2011 will stand because Iraqi forces are capable of taking care of the country’s security.

The comments are his first on the subject since being tasked with forming a new government after nearly nine months (more…)

Hariri arrives in Tehran – update 2

The plane carrying Prime Minister Saad Hariri along with a ministerial delegation landed in Tehran airport about 2 PM Beirut time , MTV reported adding that the PM is scheduled to head to the presidential palace and will also meet with Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. (more…)

Gemayel calls for condemning Israeli plan for Jerusalem

Lebanese former president and Phalange Party leader Amin Gemayel called on the Lebanese cabinet to convene quickly and condemn Israel for its intent to announce Jerusalem a capital for the Jewish people, according to a statement issued by Gemayel’s press office on Saturday. (more…)

WP Editoria: Mr. Mubarak vs. Mr. Obama

EGYPT’S PARLIAMENTARY election is on Sunday, but already the principal result is known: a step away from political liberalization and genuine democracy.

Israeli profiling airport security system targets Arabs, Muslims

Donna Shalala, a Lebanese American who was President Bill Clinton’s secretary of health and human services was detained and questioned for 21/2 hours at Ben Gurion airport in July.

Somali-born teen plots car bombing in U.S.

U.S. prosecutors say an Oregon teenager of Somali descent has been arrested in an alleged terrorist plot to car-bomb a Christmas tree lighting event in the northwestern city of Portland, Oregon Friday night. (more…)

STL: Saudi envoy expects a major breakthrough soon

Amal Movement MP Ali Hassan Khalil told Al-Manar television on Friday that Saudi-Syrian talks are the only initiative to resolve Lebanon’s crisis.

“We are counting on this initiative which is moving forward,” Khalil said, adding that the US has been using pressure to obstruct Syrian-Saudi efforts. (more…)