CAIRO (AP) — The leader of the Muslim Brotherhood, Egypt’s main Islamic opposition group, said Thursday that the Nazi Holocaust was a myth and slammed Western governments for criticising disclaimers of the Jewish genocide. The comments by Mohammed Mahdi Akef — made on the heels of his group’s strong showing …

TEHRAN (AFP) — Iran has spelled out clearly it will not back away from its bid to conduct sensitive nuclear fuel work, limiting the chance for a compromise at a key meeting on Wednesday with Britain, France and Germany.

EL-GENEINA (Reuters) — Chad’s army said on Monday its forces had killed about 300 rebels after they launched a failed offensive on a border town in one of the worst attacks in an escalating conflict. Chad’s foreign minister said the troops then chased the rebels into Sudan and destroyed their …

BAGHDAD (AFP) — The trial of deposed Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein resumes on Wednesday with further testimony from witnesses detailing abuses they suffered at the hands of the former Iraqi regime. The trial of Saddam and seven associates for perpetrating the massacre of Shiite villagers of Dujail in 1982 was …

BEIRUT (AFP) — Lebanon’s powerful pro-Syrian Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri was engaged on Tuesday in talks with anti-Damascus forces in a bid to save the fragile coalition government after a boycott by Shiite ministers.

ERBIL — Iraqi Kurds have become disenchanted with their conservative Shiite allies in the outgoing national government and are keeping all options open on how best to broker power in the new administration.

RAMALLAH — Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon is recovering in hospital after suffering a mild stroke Sunday and could be released as soon as Tuesday. Doctors said the 77-year-old Sharon should make a full recovery, but added that while he might soon be released it could take some time before …

TEHRAN (AP) — Iran wants this week’s talks with the European Union over its nuclear programme to be “positive,” but the almost four-month break in negotiations means the results are uncertain, Iran’s top nuclear negotiator said Monday. Arab Gulf leaders also called for a weapons of mass destruction-free Mideast and …

ABU DHABI (AFP) — The Middle East should be turned into a nuclear-free region, leaders of the Gulf Cooperation Council said Monday, voicing concern over Israel’s and Iran’s nuclear ambitions. The heads of the oil-rich six-member bloc “appealed to the international community to make the Middle East, including the Gulf …

WASHINGTON (AFP) — President George W. Bush urged Iraqi leaders Monday to speed the formation of a new government and maintain political momentum, which he needs to reignite US support for the unpopular war. At a White House news conference, Bush pressed the appeal he made in a televised address …