BAGHDAD — When Ali Mohammad was woken by gunfire celebrating the hanging of former Iraqi president Saddam Hussein, he thought about the lessons of history in his country where rulers tend not to die quietly in their beds.

OCCUPIED JERUSALEM (AFP) — Israel on Thursday marks one year since a massive stroke felled Ariel Sharon and left the former premier who for decades dominated the nation’s political landscape in a coma.

TEHRAN (Fars News Agency)- The Islamic Republic of Iran and Thailand experienced a growth rate of 57.85% in their trade exchanges during the first 10 months of the year 2006, Iran’s ambassador to Bangkok Mohsen Pak Ayeen said on Saturday.