Middle East - NewBostonPost (Page 14)

Iraq

Gains in Iraqi city vindicate US-led strategy, at high cost

BAGHDAD (AP) — The advance of Iraqi forces into the heart of Ramadi, a restive city that fell to the Islamic State group earlier this year, in some ways vindicated the U.S.-led coalition's strategy for rolling back the extremists — but victory has come at a high cost,

Faith

Pope focuses on Mideast conflicts, persecution

VATICAN CITY (AP) — Pope Francis issued a Christmas Day prayer that recent U.N.-backed peace agreements for Syria and Libya will quickly end the suffering of their people, denouncing the "monstrous evil" and atrocities they have endured and praising the countries that have taken in their refugees.

Russia

Accusations grow against Russia over Syria civilian killings

BEIRUT (AP) — The three missiles fired on a public market in the northern Syrian town of Ariha took the morning shoppers by surprise. In a few moments, the main street, packed with people buying and selling fruit and vegetables, turned into a scene of carnage with burning cars and the

Syria

Obama says he prays for persecuted Christians

WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama marked the approach of the Christmas holiday by citing religious persecution, particularly against Christians in war-torn Middle Eastern countries. "At this time, those of us fortunate enough to live in countries that honor the birthright of all people to practice their faith freely give thanks

migrants

IOM: Over 1 million refugees, migrants enter Europe in 2015

GENEVA (AP) — More than 1 million refugees and "irregular migrants" have entered Europe in this record-breaking year, the International Organization for Migration said Tuesday, a symbolic milestone driven by war, poverty and persecution in the Middle East and Africa. With just days left in 2015, the Geneva-based intergovernmental

Afghanistan

British troops deploy to Afghan province amid Taliban battle

KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) — Fierce battles were underway Tuesday between Afghan forces and the Taliban in southern Helmand province where the insurgents have almost completely captured a strategic district as Britain announced it was deploying advisers to the restive area. The development came a day after a Taliban suicide bomber killed

GOP

Regime change debate creates unusual 2016 alliances

WASHINGTON (AP) — America's 2016 presidential candidates are split on promoting regime change in the Middle East, but not along the usual party lines. GOP contenders Donald Trump, Ted Cruz and Rand Paul are finding common cause with Democrats Bernie Sanders and Martin O'Malley in suggesting it&

migrants

Sovereignty battle looms as EU unveils border guard scheme

BRUSSELS (AP) — The European Commission has unveiled a controversial plan for a European border guard agency that would deploy to member states overwhelmed by migrants — whether those nations want it or not. The new agency would have a standing reserve force of at least 1,500 border guards that could