Middle East

Mourning Festival Galvanises Shia

Shia Muslims defy bombings to mark martyrdom anniversary of Imam Hussein.

Iran's Morality Police Vanish as More Protests Loom

Tehran government eases a little but demonstrators brace for new standoff.

Women Fight Polygamy Proposal

They say it weakens their role and status at home and in society.

Karadzic Wants More Time to Prepare Defence

Former Bosnian Serb leader intends to appeal against resumption of war crimes trial on March 1.

Regime's Sham Civil Society Claim

The idea of civil society as conceived by the government is a pretence.

Cosmetic Surgery Sparks Alarm

Eye-colour operation surgeon suspended as government probes complaints.

Halabja's Unfinished Business

Blasts Cast Doubt Over Election Security Plan

Multiple explosions raise fears that upcoming ballot will be marred by further attacks.

Few Clues to Grisly NGO Killings

Fears that deadly attack will impact on aid work in Iraq

Kurdish Politicians Raise Civil War Fears

Political tensions escalate sharply as parliament and police investigate series of attacks on opposition figures.