Syria's opposition has resumed talks aimed at closing their fractious ranks, as government forces launched a fierce onslaugh.

The United States has called into question the credibility of Iran's presidential election next month, criticising the disqualification of candidates.

US reveals Jude Kenan Mohammad died in a drone strike in Pakistan; the fourth citizen killed by unmanned craft in the Middle East.

US issues threat to Syrian leader if he rejects a political solution to the Middle East nation's civil war.

ALBERT AJI - AP

Syria destroys Israeli vehicle that crossed into its territory and sends warning of "firm retaliation".

Ninety-five people have been killed in a series of car bombings and suicide attacks across Iraq.

At least 20 people have been killed by a series of car bombs in Baghdad.

Lebanese Hezbollah militants join Syrian troops to attack Syrian rebel-held town, spurring Israel to threaten more strikes on Syria.

Bombs ripped through Sunni areas of Baghdad on Friday, the deadliest day in Iraq in more than eight months.

Tens of thousands of Palestinians marked the 65th anniversary of their mass displacement during the war over Israel's 1948 creation.

A graphic video allegedly showing a Syrian rebel cutting out the heart of a dead pro-government fighter and biting into it has sparked outrage.

Israeli Prime Minister in hot water for having a double bed fitted on a flight for him and his wife.

Iranian state TV says a strong 6.2 magnitude earthquake has jolted the south of the country, injuring at least 15 people.

Kidnappers have released a Finnish couple and an Austrian man missing since December.

Rebels say they are holding a group of UN peacekeepers on the ceasefire line between Syria and the Golan Heights.

Libya's defense minister says he has resigned to protest to a show of force by militias who have been besieging government buildings to push their political demands.

Rockets have been fired from Syria into Israeli-occupied territory.

Syrian rebels shot down a military helicopter in the country's east, killing eight government troops on board.

A bomb has ripped through a campaign rally of a leading Islamist party in Pakistan, killing 14 people and wounding dozens more.

US officials say they did not know Israel was launching airstrikes in Syria until they were already under way.