Middle Orient

GAZA – Hamas Islamists on Wednesday called for the Arab world to unite against Israel after Hezbollah accused the Jewish state of assassinating one of its founders.

BAGHDAD – Iraqi lawmakers met on Wednesday in an attempt to end a protracted standoff over the 2008 budget and other bills, which has led to some calls for parliament to be disbanded.

OXFORD – Mistakes made in Iraq and Afghanistan should not deter Britain from exercising its moral duty to spread democracy, by military means where necessary, Foreign Secretary David Miliband said on Tuesday.

Iraq’s parliament is deadlocked over passing key legislation, including the 2008 budget. At the same time, the government of Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki is under mounting pressure to take advantage of better security to improve the delivery of basic services and speed up reconciliation by pushing through important laws.

TARMIYA, Iraq – Six months ago, the Iraqi town of Tarmiya near Baghdad was a lawless al Qaeda lair, a springboard for launching attacks on the capital.

TEHRAN (FNA) – The 26th Fajr Film Festival ended work here in Tehran on Thursday.

TEHRAN (FNA) – Iranians from different parts of the country congregated in the northwestern city of Zanjan to stage their artistic talent in making snowmen.

TEHRAN (FNA) – Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari on Tuesday said talks between Iran and the United States on the future of Iraq were expected “in the next few days.”

TEHRAN (FNA) – The International Atomic Energy Agency Director General Mohamed ElBaradei will submit its long-awaited report on Iran’s nuclear program to the Board of Governors on March 3rd, IAEA sources said.

TEHRAN (FNA) – Tehran on Tuesday warned US forces in Iraq against chasing suspects inside Iranian territory.