Iran begins loading Bushehr nuclear reactor
August 21, 2010
Iran has begun loading fuel up its first nuclear power station in a ceremony attended by Russian officials.
Russia will operate the Bushehr plant in southern Iran, supplying its nuclear fuel and taking away the nuclear waste.
Last US combat brigade exits Iraq
August 19, 2010
The last US combat brigade in Iraq has left the country, seven years after the US-led invasion.
The 4th Stryker Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, began crossing by land into Kuwait in the early hours of Thursday, a military spokesman said.
Iraq helicopter crash kills five
July 29, 2010
A sandstorm has downed an Iraqi military helicopter, killing its five-member crew, while a Baghdad blast has killed five Iraqis, officials say.
The helicopter was providing aerial protection to Shia pilgrims travelling to the city of Karbala when it crashed in the sandstorm early in the morning.
Rallies for Iranian woman sentenced to death
July 24, 2010
Rallies are being held around the world to highlight the continued imprisonment of an Iranian woman sentenced to death for adultery.
Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani was originally told she would be killed by stoning but the sentence was put on hold following an international outcry.
Iranian scientist Shahram Amiri alleges US torture
July 19, 2010
An Iranian scientist who said he was kidnapped by the CIA has said he was subjected to extreme mental and physical torture by the Americans.
Shahram Amiri, who has flown from the US to Tehran, also denied being heavily involved in Iran’s nuclear programme.
He disappeared last year and resurfaced this week in the Pakistani embassy in Washington asking to be repatriated.
Fresh Iraq bombings hit Shia pilgrims in Baghdad
July 8, 2010
At least five people have been killed by bombs targeting Shia pilgrims in Baghdad, Iraqi officials say.
Four people died when a roadside bomb exploded in eastern Baghdad, while a car bomb in southern Baghdad killed at least one more person.
Obama to hold key talks with Netanyahu in Washington
July 6, 2010
US President Barack Obama is due to meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Washington.
They are expected to discuss a range of issues, including Iran’s nuclear programme and efforts to start direct Israeli-Palestinian peace talks.
Hezbollah ‘mentor’ Fadlallah dies in Lebanon
July 5, 2010
Lebanon’s top Shia Muslim cleric, seen as a key figure in the founding of militant group Hezbollah, has died at the age of 74.
Grand Ayatollah Mohammed Hussein Fadlallah was regarded as Hezbollah’s spiritual guide after the group was founded in 1982, a charge both denied.
An implacable critic of the US, he had a wide following among Shias and backed the 1979 Islamic Revolution in Iran.
US to provide nearly $2bn for two solar energy projects
July 4, 2010
Nearly $2bn (£1.3bn) in loan guarantees will be given to two companies to kick-start the US solar energy industry, President Barack Obama has announced.
One of the firms, Abenoga Solar, says that it is planning to build the largest solar power plant in the world in Arizona.
Gilad Shalit march in Israel attracts thousands
July 3, 2010
Twenty thousand people have joined a march through Israel calling for the release of captured soldier Gilad Shalit, organisers say.
Sgt Shalit was captured by Palestinian gunmen four years ago.
The demonstrators are halfway through their 12-day march across the country, which will end outside the home of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.