The cooperation between Iran and Syria has recently broadened in a variety of areas, including the military, security, economic and scientific spheres.

Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul vowed Tuesday to defend the country’s secular traditions as he announced a fresh bid for the presidency despite deep-rooted opposition over his Islamist past.

Libya’s critics were furious at what they called a hasty and cynical rush for closer ties between the West and Muammar Qadhafi’s government after it freed six foreign medics in July.