Syria’s warring sides brought together for Geneva talks
Craig TaylorMeeting marks first UN-backed talks between government and opposition in nearly a year. BBC News – Middle East
Middle East
Israeli soldier gets 18 months for killing wounded Palestinian attacker
Victim’s father calls sentence a “joke” in a case which split opinion in Israel on the use of force. BBC News – Middle East
Mosul offensive: Iraqi army resumes advance on IS bastion
The second day of the government’s assault on the IS stronghold begins with artillery fire. BBC News – Middle East
Mosul battle: UN plea to protect trapped civilians
Hundreds of thousands of people are at risk, the UN says, as Iraq prepares for a new offensive. BBC News – Middle East
Baghdad car bomb kills at least 48
A car bomb in southern Baghdad kills at least 48 people – the third such blast in three days. BBC News – Middle East
Trump relaxes US policy on Middle East two-state solution
The US president also pledges a “great” Middle East peace deal, but says both sides must compromise. BBC News – Middle East