Syrian troops battled rebels hard by the armistice line with Israel on the Golan Heights today as the United Nations pressed efforts to free 44 peacekeepers held by the insurgents. Several mortar rounds struck close to the ceasefire line as the combatants exchanged rocket, mortar and tank fire near the …

Sameh Shoukry headed to Europe on Sunday with the aim of strengthening bilateral relations and economic ties with visits to Berlin, Paris and Rome. The foreign minister is expected to meet French President Francois Hollande and consult with Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius and members of the French business community, according …

Afghanistan and the USA have signed a long-delayed agreement to allow international forces to stay in the country beyond 2014. In a low-key ceremony at the presidential palace, the Afghan national security adviser and the US ambassador signed the bilateral security agreement in the presence of the new Afghan president, …