Fearing Libya vacuum, urgency placed on rapid vote
Alastair MacdonaldLibya's war-time rebel prime minister says his country faces a dangerous power vacuum where foreign powers may exploit rival militias on the streets.
Israel, Palestinians dig in before Obama summit
Alastair MacdonaldIsrael and the Palestinians accused each other on Monday of thwarting United States efforts to revive peace negotiations.
Palestinians, Israelis clash ahead of talks
Alastair MacdonaldDozens of people were injured in clashes between Palestinians and Israeli forces in Jerusalem on Friday, as tension over land and holy sites mounted.
Blair sees possibilities in Middle East mission
Alastair MacdonaldTony Blair said on Tuesday there was a new "moment of opportunity" in the Middle East but cautioned in his first visit as an international envoy against expecting any peace breakthrough soon. Blair, in his first public remarks since starting his mission on Monday, said he came "to listen and to learn and to reflect" in talks with Israeli and Palestinian leaders.
Libya's tug-of-war over al-Islam a test for new government
Alastair MacdonaldAbdullah al-Senussi and Saif al-Islam Gaddafi's capture poses a challenge for the NTC who must deal with cries for blood and appeals for a fair trial.
Palestinian gunman kills eight in school
Alastair MacdonaldA Palestinian gunman opened fire in a Jewish religious school in Jerusalem on Thursday, killing at least eight people and wounding about 10 in the most lethal attack in Israel in two years, emergency services said. "It was a slaughterhouse," said Yehuda Meshi-Zahav, head of the Zaka emergency service.
Thousands flood Tahrir Square in protest as Egypt awaits results
Alastair MacdonaldProtesters filled Cairo's Tahrir Square for Friday prayers as Egypt's presidential candidates accused each other of trying to steal elections.
Obama to host Abbas, Netanyahu meeting
Alastair MacdonaldBarack Obama will host the first meeting between Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday.
April Fool becomes yet another marketing gimmick
Alastair MacdonaldThe April Fool is dead. Or at least the gentle jester of the common folk has been converted into a corporate colossus controlled by marketing execs.
Muslim feast a time of joy for Libyans, but not in Sirte
Alastair MacdonaldIn the Libyan town of Sirte, the hometown where Muammar Gaddafi met his end, the mood was grim on the eve of one of Islam's greatest festivals.
