Voting began across Iran on Friday for presidential election and that of city and village councils.

North Korea says the South has intentionally ruined planned high-level talks between the two countries by making ‘arrogant obstructions’ to the negotiations.

Ankara's offer to possibly hold a referendum on the redevelopment plans that sparked the unrest in Turkey did little to see demonstrators withdraw from the streets as protesters remained outdoors to show objection.

A White House lawyer who advised President Barack Obama on "sensitive" intelligence operations will be the CIA's new deputy director, the first woman to hold such a senior post at the agency, officials said Wednesday.

Tehran has rejected a report by Reuters that its top diplomat has sought bids to enter broad talks with Washington.

Campaigning for Iran's presidential elections and city and village council vote came to an end on Thursday with candidates barred from any activity meant to collect more votes.

Islamic Revolution leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei says that a high voter turnout means much to the country and would disappoint the enemies that are seeking to see people separated from the Islamic establishment.

Two bombs killed 14 people and wounded dozens more in central Damascus on Tuesday, state media said, in an attack which appeared to target a police station.

In Turkey riot police have stormed through barricades to clear Istanbul's main square prompting fresh clashes with anti-government protesters.

Russia condemned the West's support for the Syrian opposition, citing ties with al-Qaeda within some rebel groups and highlighting diplomacy for an end to the conflict.

The United Nations Special Rapporteur on Palestinian Human Rights has condemned the Israeli regime for its long-time occupation of Palestinian territories and violation of the human rights of the Palestinians.