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U.S. will not rebuff Iran, Syria on talks about Iraq 
Reuters via Yahoo! News - Mar 08 1:32 PM
The United States on Thursday sent its clearest signal yet it is open to bilateral talks with Iran and Syria by saying it will not rebuff them if they wish to discuss stabilizing Iraq at a regional meeting this weekend.US will challenge Iran, Syria at Baghdad meeting: official AFP via Yahoo! News - Mar 08 12:34 PM
The United States will confront Syria and Iran directly at a regional meeting on Iraq this weekend with charges they are actively fomenting the violence tearing their neighbor apart, a senior US official said Thursday.U.S. says it's willing to talk with Iran, Syria at Iraq meeting CNN.com - Mar 08 12:05 PM
The United States is open to bilateral talks with Iran or Syria at a conference in Baghdad this weekend if either country approaches U.S. officials to discuss stabilizing Iraq, a top State Department official said Thursday.Senior US official heads for refugee talks in Syria AFP via Yahoo! News - Mar 08 11:23 AM
A senior US official headed to Syria Thursday for talks on the Iraq refugee crisis that will mark the highest-level contact between the two governments in two years.Talk to Iran and Syria? Yes USATODAY.com via Yahoo! News - Mar 08 4:08 AM
Should the United States engage Iran and Syria to find ways to stabilize Iraq? Bob Beckel and Cal Thomas debate the question.April parliamentary election for Syria Borneo Bulletin - 2 minutes ago
DAMASCUS (AFP) - Syria will hold a parliamentary election on April 22, according to a decree issued on Wednesday by President Bashar al-Assad and reported by the state news agency SANA.US doubts Syria's elections will be free and fair AlertNet - Mar 08 2:21 PM
Source: Reuters WASHINGTON, March 8 (Reuters) - The United States on Thursday voiced strong skepticism that Syria's parliamentary elections next month would be free and fair and urged President Bashar al-Assad to ... U.S. indicates to have bilateral talks with Iran, Syria People's Daily - Mar 08 6:00 PM
A senior U.S. official indicated on Thursday that the United States is open to bilateral talks with Iran and Syria at a regional meeting on Iraq this weekend.US shows openness to talks on Iraq with Syria, Iran The Daily Star Lebannon - Mar 08 12:53 PM
The United States sent on Thursday its clearest signal to date that it is open to bilateral talks with Iran and Syria, saying it will not "walk away" if either approaches to discuss stabilizing Iraq at an upcoming international conference. Meanwhile, the new American commander in Iraq said Thursday that military force alone.US open to talks with Iran-Syria Gulf Daily News - Mar 08 6:19 PM
WASHINGTON: The US said yesterday it will not "walk away" from bilateral talks with Iran or Syria at a neighbours conference in Baghdad this weekend if either country approaches it to discuss stabilising Iraq.Joint Iran-Syria car producing plant opens in Syria Islamic Republic News Agency - Mar 08 8:49 AM
Iran - Syria - Samand Iran-Syria luxury Samand sedan car producing plant, under the name of `Siamco', opened at the industrial area of `Adra' 36 kilometers from the Syrian capital of Damascus on Thursday.Syria benefits from Iran's technical progress, Syrian president Islamic Republic News Agency - Mar 08 5:49 AM
Syria - Iran - Davoudi Syrian President Bashar al-Assad said on Thursday that Syria benefits from Iranian technical-engineering and industrial progress.Quiet, they're talking with Syria Haaretz Daily - Mar 08 6:31 AM
Two weeks ago, Haaretz reported that during her visit to Jerusalem last January, U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice asked that Israel desist from any contact with Syria - even exploratory contacts of the sort that would test whether Damascus is serious in its declared intentions to hold peace talks with Israel.Syria opens for business for international food companies Just Food - Mar 08 7:49 AM
Over the past six years Syria, once a byword for proto-Soviet state control and autarchy, has opened up its economy and implemented investment laws that allow foreign companies to set up shop. But few multinational food companies have wised up to the opportunities within an emerging market of 18 million consumers. As a result, those that have dipped a toe into the water, such as France's Bel ...Ready to talk with Iran, Syria Financial Express - Mar 08 8:14 AM
Two weeks after making major concessions for a nuclear accord with North Korea, the administration of President George W. Bush said last Tuesday it was prepared to sit down with Iran and Syria as part of a regional conference to stabilise Iraq.RUSSIA SIGNS MAJOR ARMS DEALS WITH IRAN, SYRIA Middle East Newsline - Mar 08 1:29 AM
MOSCOW [MENL] -- The regime of Russian President Vladimir Putin has sought to keep secret its arms deals with Iran and Syria. Russia's leading business daily Kommersant asserted that a reporter who had been investigating Moscow's defense exports to Iran and Syria was killed.Syria, Iran unveil car on Baath birthday AFP via Yahoo! News - Mar 08 7:34 AM
President Bashar al-Assad on Thursday unveiled a Syrian-Iranian car factory and tested a new vehicle, on the 44th anniversary of the ruling Baath party in Damascus.Iraq conference will test US readiness to deal with Iran, Syria AFP via Yahoo! News - Mar 08 7:06 AM
Saturday's conference in Baghdad bringing US, Iranian and Syrian officials together around the same table will put to the test Washington's readiness to engage its adversaries to end the chaos in Iraq.Syria sets poll for April Gulf Times - Mar 07 9:56 PM
DAMASCUS: Syria will hold a parliamentary election on April 22, according to a decree issued yesterday by President Bashar al-Assad and reported by the state news agency Sana.Iran's Defense Minister due in Syria next week IranMania.com - Mar 07 9:18 PM
LONDON, March 8 (IranMania) - Iranian Minister of Defense Brigadier General Mostafa Mohammad-Najjar is to pay a visit to Syria next week at the head of a high-ranking defense and political delegation, IRNA reported.Talk to Iran and Syria? Yes USA Today - Mar 07 9:16 PM
Talk to Iran and Syria? Yes The Bush administration is on board, and so are Bob and, reluctantly, Cal. But the real problems in the region might best be solved by new borders, not just new negotiations. Cal Thomas is... The time is ripe for the US to engage Syria on Mideast issues The Christian Science Monitor via Yahoo! News - Mar 08 12:00 AM
The evenings are still chilly as shoppers browse Damascus's new up-market shops for the latest European fashions. But in the side streets, vendors are selling crunchy green almonds, and as the seasons turn you can sense a new self- confidence in a regime here that just a year ago was considered by many Middle East observers to be close to collapse.Al-Hashemi, left, was in Syria on a four day visit and left with a pledge of assistance from Damascus [AFP] Aljazeera - Mar 07 12:29 PM
Syria has promised to stabilise Iraq as Tariq al-Hashemi, Iraq' s vice president, concluded a four day visit to Damascus .Iraq to seek neighbor nations' help USA Today - 2 hours, 15 minutes ago
Iraq will ask neighboring countries to help improve its security at a rare regional summit in Baghdad on Saturday that will be attended by the United States. he Iraqi government will lobby Iran, Syria and other countries to tighten their borders, stop funding sectarian militias and crack down on religious leaders in their countries who encourage violence.Meddling In The Middle East Investor's Business Daily via Yahoo! News - Mar 08 4:00 PM
Geopolitics: Was a Russian journalist killed for revealing arms sales to Syria and Iran? And is Syria preparing for war on Israel to aid Tehran if Iran's nuclear facilities are attacked?Bush sees 'test' for Iran, Syria, on Iraq AFP via Yahoo! News - Mar 06 12:45 PM
US President George W. Bush challenged Iran and Syria Tuesday to prove at a pair of upcoming international conferences on Iraq that they are serious about helping to quell deadly violence there.Family wants Syria to return the body of Israeli master spy JTA - 2 hours, 37 minutes ago
Eli Cohen, his wife, Nadia Cohen, and baby daughter Sophie pose in a family portrait with Eli's nieces and nephews in 1961.Iran, Syria voice desire to help stabilize Iraq The Daily Star Lebannon - Mar 07 12:38 PM
Iran confirmed Wednesday it would attend an upcoming international conference on Iraq, while Syria said it would work toward stabilizing Iraq but insisting that a timetable for the withdrawal of US troops is needed to achieve peace. Amid preparations for Saturday's high-level meeting, at least 52 people were killed.Dead Russian reporter was investigating arms sales to Iran, Syria AFP via Yahoo! News - Mar 06 12:13 PM
A Russian reporter who died after falling out of a window was investigating sales of weapons by Russia to Syria and Iran, his newspaper Kommersant said Tuesday.Assad sets Syria's parliamentary election for April The Daily Star Lebannon - Mar 07 12:37 PM
Syria will hold a parliamentary election on April 22, according to a decree issued on Wednesday by President Bashar Assad and reported by the state news agency SANA. The announcement came on the eve of the 44th anniversary of Assad's Baath Party taking power in Syria.Syria-Shara-Davoudi Iran, Syria underscore continued bilatral good ties Islamic Republic News Agency - 2 hours, 6 minutes ago
Visiting Iranian Vice President Parviz Davoudi and Syrian Foreign Minister Farouk al-Shara underlined the importance of continued bilateral brotherly and strategic relations.Syria denies arms crossing border into Lebanon AFP via Yahoo! News - Mar 06 9:58 AM
Syria denied on Tuesday allegations that arms are making their way over the border into Lebanon and warned against any moves to station international troops along the frontier in Lebanon.Iraq stability hinges on pullout of US forces-Syria AlertNet - Mar 07 9:21 AM
Source: Reuters DAMASCUS, March 7 (Reuters) - Syria will work toward stabilising Iraq but a timetable for the withdrawal of U.S. troops is needed to achieve peace, Syrian Vice-President Farouq al-Shara said on ... US dismisses Syrian elections, in advance AFP via Yahoo! News - Mar 08 12:58 PM
The United States dismissed planned parliamentary elections in Syria as a likely sham on Thursday, a day after the polls were announced and more than six weeks before they will actually be held.Bush says Iraqi conferences will be 'test' for Iran, Syria AFP via Yahoo! News - Mar 06 8:39 AM
US President George W. Bush said Tuesday that upcoming international conferences on Iraq's security will be "a test" of whether Iran and Syria are serious about helping to dampen violence there.Syria seeks to gain from regional tumult The Christian Science Monitor via Yahoo! Canada News - Mar 07 1:00 AM
The isolation of Syria appears to be breaking as Damascus seeks deals with the Saudis and the Lebanese.US will not rebuff Iran, Syria on talks about Iraq AlertNet - Mar 08 1:36 PM
Source: Reuters (Adds quotes, details, paragraphs 5-6, 8-9, 13, 15-16) By Arshad Mohammed WASHINGTON, March 8 (Reuters) - The United States on Thursday sent its clearest signal yet it is open to bilateral talks ... Ahead of Iraq report, views mixed on wisdom of engaging with Syria JTA - Mar 08 11:53 AM
A Golan Heights signpost, showing the proximity of Damascus to Israelīs northern border.Iran's defense minister due in Syria next week Islamic Republic News Agency - Mar 07 2:38 AM
Iran - Syria - DM Minister of Defense Brigadier General Mostafa Mohammad-Najjar is to pay a visit to Syria next week at the head of a high-ranking defense and political delegation.US Ready to Raise Iraq Concerns With Iran, Syria Voice of America - Mar 08 10:18 AM
Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice's top Iraqi affairs adviser says U.S. diplomats are prepared to raise concerns over Iraq directly with Iranian and Syrian counterparts at a Baghdad conference Saturday.U.S. will not walk away from talks with Iran on Iraq Reuters via Yahoo! News - Mar 08 8:38 AM
The United States sent on Thursday its clearest signal to date that it is open to bilateral talks with Iran and Syria, saying it will not "walk away" if either approaches to discuss stabilizing Iraq at a neighbors conference this weekend.Jebediah Koogler '10: U.S. should negotiate with Syria Brown Daily Herald - Mar 07 1:50 AM
It's time to talk with Syria.Iraq: Security before Syria pipeline opens UPI - Mar 06 12:55 PM
Iraq's oil minister said he wants to repair and reopen the pipeline to Syria, but called on Damascus to better monitor their border for insurgents. ...SYRIA In Damascus few care and fewer expect much from upcoming elections - Asia News AsiaNews.it - Mar 07 7:43 AM
SYRIA In Damascus few care and fewer expect much from upcoming elections by Jihad Issa A Catholic attorney tells AsiaNews that the turnout will likely be around 15 per cent because results are already known before votes are cast and because few are interested in voting in a country where 80 per cent of the population of 20 million earns just US$ 200 a month.Russian journalist who died in fall reportedly investigated weapons deals with Iran, Syria San Diego Union-Tribune - Mar 06 6:07 PM
MOSCOW, 1:21 p.m. March 6 (AP): A journalist who plunged to his death from his apartment building window faced threats while reporting on a highly sensitive story that Russia planned to sell sophisticated missiles to Syria and Iran, his newspaper reported Tuesday.Russian died reporting on arms sales to Iran, Syria Arizona Daily Star - Mar 06 11:05 PM
MOSCOW A journalist who plunged to his death from his apartment building window faced threats while reporting on a sensitive story that Russia planned to sell sophisticated missiles to Syria and Iran, his newspaper reported Tuesday.U.S. Leaves Door Open to Talks With Iran on Iraq (Update1) Bloomberg.com - Mar 08 2:49 PM
March 8 (Bloomberg) -- The U.S. envoy to a meeting of Iraq's neighbors in Baghdad left open the possibility of direct talks with Iran and Syria about their interference in Iraq.The time is ripe for the US to engage Syria on Mideast issues The Christian Science Monitor - Mar 07 2:59 PM
Damascus seems willing to work with the US on the Arab-Israeli conflict and Iraq. Russian Reporter Probed Arms Sales to Iran, Syria Before Death Bloomberg.com - Mar 06 3:54 AM
March 6 (Bloomberg) -- Russian reporter Ivan Safronov was investigating state plans to sell advanced weapons to Iran and Syria when he fell to his death from a window in his Moscow apartment building March 2, his newspaper Kommersant said.Embattled Baghdad sets out to build bridges with neighbours Financial Times - Mar 08 6:25 PM
When a US bipartisan commission called in December for direct US talks with Iran and Syria, the government in Baghdad was as disapproving of the idea as the White House.Russian journalist who died in fall reportedly probed weapons deals with Iran, Syria Boston Herald - Mar 06 8:42 AM
MOSCOW - A journalist who fell to his death from a fifth-story window had received threats while gathering material for a report claiming Russia planned to provide sophisticated weapons to Syria and Iran,...Israel-Syria Breakthrough Anticipated Jewish Week - Mar 07 7:33 PM
Pro-peace demonstration on both sides of border planned as envoys try to restart talks.Syria praise to Iran-Saudi efforts to settle Lebanese crisis ArabicNews.com - Mar 06 9:48 AM
Syria on Sunday praised efforts made by Iran and Saudi Arabia and a number of Arab and Islamic states to settle the political crisis in Lebanon.Gamal Nkrumah Al-Ahram Weekly - Mar 08 5:11 PM
Is Syria finally coming in from the cold? Dina Ezzat examines prospects for an end to the political isolation imposed on DamascusReporter Planned Story on Arms Deal St. Petersburg Times - Mar 08 12:09 PM
MOSCOW Before his mysterious death, Kommersant journalist Ivan Safronov was on the verge of reporting a story about sensitive arms deals with Syria and Iran despite warnings that he would be prosecuted for disclosing classified information, it was reported Tuesday.Iraqi VP appeals for Arab help during Syria visit AFP via Yahoo! News - Mar 05 7:49 AM
Iraqi Vice President Tareq al-Hashemi called on Monday for Arab nations to help end the "sad situation" in his homeland during a visit to neighbouring Syria, itself accused of aiding the insurgency.Inquest into Russian journalist s death; prosecutors say he knew about weapons deals with Iran, Syria CBS 46 News Atlanta - Mar 06 8:16 AM
MOSCOW (AP) -- A journalist who fell to his death from a fifth-story window had received threats while gathering material for a report claiming Russia planned to provide sophisticated weapons to Syria and Iran, his newspaper said Tuesday.ANALYSIS-Syria holds one of the keys to Iraq stability AlertNet - Mar 06 3:51 AM
Source: Reuters By Khaled Yacoub Oweis DAMASCUS, March 6 (Reuters) - When Syria takes a seat along the United States at a meeting to discuss Iraq this week, it will have something to offer to stop the chaos, but ... Syria hopes Baghdad conference to help solve Iraqi problems People's Daily - Mar 07 5:44 PM
Syrian Vice President Farouk al- Shara expressed hope on Wednesday that a much-anticipated conference due in Iraq later this month would open a horizon to solve problems in the war-torn country.[ Mideast Isn't 'Festering'; It's Spoiled... ] RedNova - Mar 08 11:20 AM
Mideast isn't 'festering'; it's spoiled Sunday's "At Issue" headline opines, "Talking to Iran, Syria is a wise course for U.S." Unfortunately, the reader is not given any rationale as to exactly why there is wisdom in this course of action.A shift in policy or attempt to hoodwink? Gulf News - Mar 08 1:34 PM
At long last the US seems to have become willing to think the unthinkable: talk to Syria and Iran. The Bush administration has agreed to sit around a negotiating table with official representatives from the two countries next week - as part of a planned regional conference in Baghdad to discuss ways to stabilise Iraq.First vice president to depart for Syria Islamic Republic News Agency - Mar 06 7:02 AM
Iran - Davoudi - Syria First Vice President Parviz Davoudi, heading a high-ranking delegation will depart for Syria on Wednesday night. During his two-day visit, Davoudi is scheduled to confer with the Syrian President Bashar al-Assad on matters of bilateral concern.The US and Syria, Human Rights and Democracy Middle East Online - Mar 06 1:20 AM
As US 'democratization' efforts in the Middle East wane, human rights activists in Syria see their situation improving, says Helena Cobban .RUSSIA: Dead reporter 'had Kremlin secrets' AsiaMedia - Mar 08 11:48 AM
A critic of Russian President Vladimir Putin who died mysteriously last week was preparing to write a story claiming the Kremlin was secretly providing Syria with missile systems.March 14 Forces say Moallem's remarks confirm Syria's rejection of Hariri court The Daily Star Lebannon - Mar 07 12:44 PM
The ruling coalition said on Wednesday that Syrian Foreign Minister Walid Moallem's vow that "any Syrian found to have participated in the assassination of former Premier Rafik Hariri will be tried according to Syrian law" was a thinly veiled rejection of the international tribunal.U.S. will not walk away from talks with Iran on Iraq Reuters - Mar 08 8:29 AM
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The United States said on Thursday it will not "walk away" from bilateral talks with Iran or Syria at a neighbors conference this weekend if either country approaches it to discuss stabilizing Iraq.Posted: 08-03-2007 , 16:40 GMT Mena Report - Mar 08 8:43 AM
Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and the visiting Iranian First Vice-President Parviz Davoudi on Thursday attended the inaugural ceremony of luxury Samand sedan car Producing Plant in Syria, under the name of "Siamco".Russian journalist who died in fall investigated weapons deals with Iran, Syria KYIV Post - Mar 06 4:33 AM
MOSCOW (AP) - A Russian journalist who died after falling from a fifth-story window had received threats while gathering material for a report claiming Moscow planned to provide sophisticated weapons to Syria and Iran, his newspaper said Tuesday.US report: Syria, Egypt guilty of rights abuses The Daily Star Lebannon - Mar 07 12:38 PM
The government's human rights record remained poor, and it continued to commit serious abuses. There were significant limitations on citizens' rights to change their government. In a climate of impunity, there were instances of arbitrary or unlawful deprivation of life, and members of the security forces tortured and physically abused prisoners and detainees.All eyes off-stage at Baghdad conference Central Chronicle - Mar 08 10:13 AM
Baghdad, Mar 8: The outcome of an international conference aimed at dousing the flames in Iraq may depend as much on what takes place on the sidelines as on centre stage, with all eyes on the United States and its archfoes Iran and Syria.Baghdad, Mar 8: Central Chronicle - Mar 08 10:13 AM
The outcome of an international conference aimed at dousing the flames in Iraq may depend as much on what takes place on the sidelines as on centre stage, with all eyes on the United States and its archfoes Iran and Syria.2 key Lebanese leaders meet International Herald Tribune - 37 minutes ago
The meeting was widely seen as a significant thaw in the months-long stalemate that has brought Lebanon to a political halt.Thursday, March 8 CNN.com - 1 hour, 27 minutes ago
BELFAST, Northern Ireland (CNN) -- Hard-line Catholic and Protestant parties have won the bulk of seats decided so far in the election for a new legislative assembly in Northern Ireland, a vote designed to clear the way for creation of a new power-sharing local executive that can pull support from across the sectarian divide.Iraq - Talks with Iran Syria are overdue The Gleaner - Mar 05 10:15 PM
The Bush administration has reversed a long-standing policy and will sit down with representatives of Iran and Syria to discuss the future of Iraq.Iranian VP, Syrian president stress expansion of bilateral ties Islamic Republic News Agency - Mar 08 2:47 AM
Iran - Syria - Meet Iran's First Vice-President Parviz Davoudi and Syrian President Bashar al-Assad here on Thursday reviewed issues of mutual interest.GIs, Iraqis capture suspected insurgents AP via Yahoo! News - 1 hour, 39 minutes ago
U.S. and Iraqi troops captured eight suspected insurgents Thursday in raids north of Baghdad as part of a campaign to prevent insurgents from regrouping outside the city during the ongoing security crackdown.Iraqis Being Processed for Refugee Status U.S. Department of State - Mar 08 9:39 AM
Processing of Iraqi refugees for resettlement already has begun, the State Department's top refugee policy official says. Ellen Sauerbrey, assistant secretary of state for population, refugees, and migration, says the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has registered about 80,000 displaced Iraqis, including in Syria, Jordan, Turkey and Egypt. Sauerbrey tells USINFO the United ...U.S. and Iran May Steal the Show at Iraq?s Security Meeting New York Times - 2 hours, 48 minutes ago
Will the U.S. and Iran finally end more than a quarter century of communicating only through emissaries, and talk directly to each other?Mosque leaders sentenced in terror sting AP via Yahoo! News - 2 hours, 33 minutes ago
Two leaders of an Albany mosque who were snared in an FBI sting involving a fictional terror strike were sentenced Thursday to 15 years in federal prison. The former imam, Yassin Aref, professed innocence before his sentencing and criticized the government's treatment of Muslims.Egypt seizes 1mn fake Viagra pills Middle East Times - Mar 08 12:42 AM
CAIRO -- Egyptian customs officers at the port of Nuweiba seized a million imitation Viagra pills and aphrodisiacs Wednesday in a refrigerated truck registered in Syria, a customs source said.Iran's VP in Damascus to review issues of mutual interest Islamic Republic News Agency - Mar 08 1:02 AM
Iran - Syria - VP Iran's First Vice-President Parviz Davoudi arrived in the Syrian capital Damascus Thursday warmly welcomed by Syrian Prime Minister Muhammad Naji al-Utri.Iraqi official in Syria, seeks help to end sad situation Gulf Times - Mar 05 10:57 PM
DAMASCUS: Iraqi Vice President Tareq al-Hashemi yesterday called for Arab nations to help end the sad situation in his homeland during a visit to neighbouring Syria, itself accused of aiding the insurgency.Sepahan s Salehi stuns Syrian Al-Ittihad mehrnews.com - Mar 08 6:52 AM
TEHRAN, March 7 (MNA) Seyyed Mehdi Seyyed Salehi celebrated his double to help Sepahan fight back and beat Syria s Al-Ittihad 2-1 in the AFC Champions League opener in Fuladshahr Stadium in Isfahan, central Iran, Wednesday.Syria renews support for national reconciliation in Iraq People's Daily - Mar 05 6:14 PM
Syrian Vice President Farouk al- Shara on Monday renewed Syria's support for efforts to achieve national reconciliation in Iraq and make the political process a success, the official SANA news agency reported.First VP departs for Damascus Islamic Republic News Agency - Mar 07 11:02 PM
Iran - Syria - VP First Vice-President Parviz Davoudi left Tehran for the Syrian capital Damascus Thursday morning to review issues of mutual interest with the country's senior officials.Rival Lebanese leaders hold political crisis talks Reuters via Yahoo! News - Mar 08 3:18 PM
Two rival Lebanese leaders held late-night talks on Thursday, the first such meeting in four months, to discuss ways to end a political crisis that has raised fears of a civil war.Iraqi refugees hail Syria's easing of residency rules AFP via Yahoo! News - Mar 04 3:15 PM
Iraqi refugee Khaled was delighted at the news that Damascus was relaxing residency rules for around a million Iraqis who fled their war-torn country for neighbouring Syria.Analysis: Iraq solution proves elusive AP via Yahoo! News - Mar 08 12:34 PM
America's new top general in Iraq said Thursday that force alone cannot halt the violence and the U.S. must talk to insurgent groups an old idea that's been tried before but has in the past faltered in the complex web of Iraqi politics.IRAQ In search of national reconciliation Baghdad offers jobs to former Saddam officials AsiaNews.it - Mar 08 5:43 AM
The Iraqi government is trying by every means to coax former Saddam officials back into the fold. Those who worked for governmental bodies the US dismantled in 2003 can now get new postings or a pension. Syria s assistance has been requested but it might already be too late.Russian journalists: Reporter's death 'not suicide' World Tribune - Mar 07 3:33 PM
MOSCOW The death of a reporter investigating Russian arms deals with Iran and Syria was probably a murder, the head of the SJR journalists organization said.1m fake Viagra pills seized News 24 South Africa - Mar 08 3:09 AM
Egyptian customs officers have seized a million imitation Viagra pills and aphrodisiacs in a refrigerated truck registered in Syria.Where is al-Sadr? Not in Iran, official says Strategy Page - Mar 08 3:00 AM
CNN is Reporting tonight that Muqtada al-Sadr has left for Iran. Probably has nothing to do with the surge; if he is indeed in Iran. It could be a repeat of the "Nasrallah is in Syria" story from last summer.Shiites in spat with Arabs over talks AP via Yahoo! News - Mar 08 1:26 PM
The Iraqi government and Arab countries have broken into bitter squabbling ahead of a Baghdad conference on Saturday that the United States had hoped would finally unite them in efforts to stabilize the war-torn nation.Meddling In The Middle East Investor's Business Daily via Yahoo! Finance - Mar 08 4:00 PM
Commentary from Investor's Business DailyRival Lebanese leaders meet on political crisis Reuters via Yahoo! News - Mar 08 12:13 PM
Two rival Lebanese leaders began talks on Thursday, the first such meeting in four months, to discuss ways to end a political crisis that has raised fears of a civil war.Carter defends Gaza theory at GWU speech AP via Yahoo! News - Mar 08 1:07 PM
Despite the storm it ignited, former President Carter held fast on Thursday to his accusation that Israel oppresses the Palestinians on the West Bank and Gaza and seeks to colonize the land.Moscow burial for dead journalist BBC News - Mar 07 4:06 AM
The funeral is held of a journalist said to have been investigating alleged Russian plans to sell arms to Iran and Syria.Joint Syrian-Iranian car plant opens AP via Yahoo! News - Mar 08 10:32 AM
President Bashar Assad on Thursday inaugurated the first stage of a joint Syrian-Iranian auto factory, test-driving one of the new cars and declaring that the project will boost cooperation between the allies.Iraqi refugees appreciate new lease on temporary lives in Syria The Daily Star Lebannon - Mar 05 1:07 PM
Iraqi refugee Khaled was delighted at the news that Damascus was relaxing residency rules for around a million Iraqis who fled their war-torn country for Syria. "No Iraqi will be expelled from Syria," Khaled told AFP at the Baghdad Palm Tree restaurant in the Damascus suburb of Jaramana where he and many compatriots have found refuge.Main players in Iraq regional conference AP via Yahoo! News - Mar 08 11:58 AM
A regional conference in Baghdad on Saturday aims to rally support behind the Iraqi government and map out ways to cooperate in easing the country's bloody conflict. But the participants are coming in with starkly different agendas. The session gathers diplomats from Iraq's Arab neighbors as well as Iran, Turkey, the United States and the four other permanent members of the U.N. Security Council.