West Asia

Iraq votes in parliamentary election — with 2.5 million fewer voters than 2021 and boycott calls

Iraqis are casting their ballots in parliamentary election today amid security and a boycott by a major political bloc. The election results could also face legal challenges as the head of Iraq's Supreme Judicial Council has dubbed the vote as unconstitutional.

As Trump & al-Sharaa meet, how Syria is entering a new era of diplomacy with the US

Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa’s meeting with US President Donald Trump at the White House marked a historic shift in Syria-US relations after years of conflict. The discussions focused on reconstruction, counterterrorism cooperation, and potential sanctions relief, signalling Washington’s willingness to recalibrate its approach towards Damascus

At least 35 killed, seven injured in deadliest bus crash on Yemen’s mountain road

At least 35 people were killed and seven others injured on Wednesday in a catastrophic road accident along a treacherous mountain route in Yemen’s southern Abyan province, according to a report, citing officials and local sources

Google Maps for ancient Rome: Digital archaeology brings 2,000-year-old highways back to life

Combining historical records with satellite imagery, researchers have prepared a 'Google Maps' of the Roman Empire. They have mapped around 300,000 kilometres of roads, including 110,000 kilometers of newly discovered roads, at the time the empire was at its peak.

Turkey hosts Foreign Ministers to discuss Gaza ceasefire

Muslim-majority nations gather in Istanbul to review the fragile U.S.-brokered Gaza ceasefire, as tensions rise between Hamas and Israel and Turkey pushes to play a larger role in mediation efforts.

After second round of Turkey talks, Pakistan, Afghanistan agree to extend ceasefire

After the second round of talks in Turkey, Afghanistan and Pakistan agreed to extend the ceasefire on Thursday. Next peace talks scheduled to take place on November 6

China’s VP meets Saudi crown prince MBS amid concerns over Beijing dumping cheaper goods

China's Vice President Han Zheng met Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Riyadh on Wednesday in a bid to bolster bilateral ties between the two nations.

India secures US sanctions waiver extension for Chabahar port till early 2026: Report

India has reportedly secured an extension of the United States’ sanctions waiver for operations at Iran’s strategic Chabahar Port till the early part of next year

Israel conducts fresh strike in Gaza after overnight bombardment kills 104

Tensions in West Asia escalated after Israel carried out another strike in the Gaza Strip on Wednesday, killing at least 104 Palestinians in the overnight bombardment.

Can the US-brokered Gaza ceasefire survive Israel’s latest strikes on Hamas?

Israel's strikes in Gaza on Tuesday (October 28) killed at least 26 people, following what it called ceasefire violations by Hamas. The renewed violence, amid accusations over hostage remains and rising civilian casualties, threatens to unravel the fragile US-brokered truce