Iraqi vote held in security lockdown
Craig TaylorIraq holds its first parliamentary vote since the withdrawal of US troops three years ago, as at least 14 people are killed in sporadic violence. BBC News – Middle East
Middle East
Syria blasts kill dozens in Homs
At least 37 people are killed in explosions in the Syrian city of Homs, after at least 14 die in a mortar attack in Damascus, officials say. BBC News – Middle East
Syria ‘still holds chemical weapons’
Syria still holds about 7.5% of its chemical weapons stocks at one site, an international envoy says, as a Sunday deadline to remove them passes. BBC News – Middle East
Abbas ‘still seeks’ Israel talks
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas says he is still ready to extend peace talks with Israel, despite a recent breakdown in the process. BBC News – Middle East
Netanyahu: Abbas must end Hamas pact
Israeli PM Netanyahu tells the BBC Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas must abandon his pact with Hamas if he wants peace talks to resume. BBC News – Middle East
Hamas and Fatah declare end to rift
Rival Palestinian factions Fatah and Hamas announce a reconciliation deal, saying they will seek to form a unity government in the coming weeks. BBC News – Middle East