U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates told a House committee Thursday the fractious debate about Iraq has had at least one positive effect in Iraq.

Jordan’s powerful professional unions are demanding the resignation of a lawmaker for inviting the Israeli ambassador to Parliament earlier this week.

Iran’s Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) Secretary Ali Larijani warned that in case Britain continues uttering arrogant words against Iran, Tehran will refrain from releasing a female British marine arrested along with 14 other comrades after trespassing Iranian borders.