Feeds of Interest

Lebanon urged to resist violence

Syria's president and the Saudi king call on Lebanon's rival factions to avoid turning to violence amid mounting political tensions in the country.

Hamas fighter dies in air strikes

A Hamas militant is killed and several are injured by Israeli air strikes on the Gaza Strip, hours after a Palestinian rocket hit the southern Israeli city of Ashkelon.

Saudi warned on expelling Somalis

The UN refugee agency urges Saudi Arabia to stop deporting Somalis, saying 2,000 have recently been sent to Mogadishu.

Arab League endorses direct talks

The Arab League backs direct Palestinian peace talks with the Israelis, but leaves the timing to the Palestinians, officials say.

Gun and bomb attacks hit Baghdad

At least 16 people, including several security force members, are killed in shootings and explosions in the Iraqi capital Baghdad, officials say.

Canada jails Iran nuclear suspect

The Ontario Court of Justice in Canada sentences a Toronto man to four years in prison for trying to export nuclear-related items to Iran.

Japanese tanker in damage mystery

Officials investigate damage to a Japanese oil tanker in the Strait of Hormuz, amid reports of a collision or an attack.

Iran stoning lawyer 'is missing'

Rights group Amnesty International accuses Iran of persecuting a lawyer involved in the high profile case of a woman sentenced to death by stoning.

Hamas bans Gaza lingerie displays

Mannequins and pictures of underwear models will be removed from women's clothes shops under new rules announced by Hamas.

Nepal lifts ban on Iraq workers

The government in Nepal lifts a ban that prohibited Nepalis from seeking work in Iraq.

Graphics: Oil and sanctions

Iran has faced waves of international sanctions since the Islamic revolution in 1979, but what effect have they actually had on the country and its economy and trading behaviour?

Business empire of Revolutionary Guards

Iran's sophisticated, energy-rich economy is increasingly coming under control of the secretive Revolutionary Guards, the BBC's Mark Gregory writes.

China-Iran: Old ties, modern dependency

Sanctions imposed on Iran are having an effect on its business ties with China, reports Chris Hogg.

Analysis: Do economic sanctions work?

Is there any evidence that sanctions have worked against countries in the past? The BBC's diplomatic correspondent Jonathan Marcus reports.

Fossil sparks whale of a row for Egypt customs

The fossil of a whale is at the centre of a bizarre customs wrangle at Cairo airport, the BBC's Jon Leyne reports.

Israel researchers develop 'sniff controlled' wheelchair

Scientists develop a device that allows people with severe disabilities to control a wheelchair and communicate by sniffing.

Algeria

Key facts, figures and dates