Middle East & Africa

Saudi Arabia uses ancient tourist site to alter its history

When the reconstruction of Dirayah is complete, it will use exhibits to detail the political history of the first Saudi state and its destruction, and of the life of normal people before the oil boom.

Israeli forces kill four Palestinians on Gaza-Israel border

The latest deaths of two Palestinians during the fourth "Right of Return" protest brings the number of Gazans killed by Israeli forces in the past three weeks to 38, according to Gaza's health ministry.

Syrian regime bombards Yarmouk refugee camp – monitor

Syrian Observatory for Human Rights says the overnight raids targeted Yarmouk Palestinian refugee camp and a small enclave south of the capital Damascus under the control of militants.

Natalie Portman refuses to attend ceremony for Israeli million-dollar prize

The actor's decision comes after international criticism over lethal tactics used by Israel during clashes with unarmed Palestinian protesters in Gaza.

Arab Israelis protest on Jewish state’s anniversary

Demonstrators carried Palestinian flags and called for the right of refugees to the homes that their families fled or were expelled from in 1948.

How could Bahrain’s largest oil find have an impact on the region?

The small island nation of Bahrain announced on April 1, that it had discovered extensive tight oil and deep gas resources off the west coast of the kingdom, which could make the once marginal oil producer potentially a major player in the market.

Syrian family tells of perilous escape to Lebanon

We meet a Syrian family in Tripoli, Lebanon that risked everything to escape Daesh in Syria's Deir Ezzor and the regime in Damascus.

Why is Nigeria reluctant to sign Africa Free Trade deal?

Dozens of countries have already signed on to the pan-African treaty, in an effort to create a single market for goods and services in the continent. But some trade unions in Nigeria are against it.

UN is negotiating with Syrian regime, Russians after Douma probe halted

UN Department of Safety and Security says it is discussing security with the regime and Russia after an advance team came under fire. The team was in Douma, site of a suspected gas attack that triggered US-led strikes, ahead of an OPCW visit.

Car bomb hits convoy of eastern Libyan military commander

Khalifa Haftar, the commander of military forces in eastern Libya, was not in the convoy as he is currently in Paris receiving medical treatment.

Saudi Arabia to show 'Black Panther' to mark cinema opening

Hollywood blockbuster "Black Panther" will be the first commercial film shown in cinemas in Saudi Arabia after more than 35 years.

Rebellious fashion: Saudi women embrace sports abayas

Some Saudi women have welcomed a sports-friendly version of the abaya gown which was once considered a symbol of cultural rebellion in Saudi Arabia.