Middle-east Arab News Opinion | Asharq Al-awsat

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Mitt Romney said “it is best to give other leaders in the party the opportunity to become our next nominee” on January 30, 2015. (EPA/Shawn Thew)

Romney opts against 2016 run for president

by Asharq Al-Awsat | Jan 30, 2015 | World

Washington, Reuters—Republican Mitt Romney opted out of the 2016 presidential race on Friday after considering whether to run for a third time, telling supporters it is time for the next generation of Republican leaders to seek the White House. “After putting...

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Leader of the Popular Front for Change and Liberation, Qadri Jamil (R), attends a press conference in Moscow, Russia, on January 30, 2015 after talks between representatives of the Syrian government and the opposition. (EPA/Yuri Kochetkov)

Syrian gov’t says ready to host talks with opposition in Damascus

by Sami Amara | Jan 30, 2015 | Middle East

Moscow, Asharq Al-Awsat—The Syrian government said Thursday it was ready to host talks with opposition figures in Damascus to discuss demands for prisoner release and improved humanitarian conditions, according to a key Syria-based opposition group. The talks would...

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King Salman (C) and Prince Miteb, son of late Saudi King Abdullah (L) receive dignitaries in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (AP Photo/SPA)

Saudi King orders major cabinet shake-up

by Asharq Al-Awsat | Jan 30, 2015 | Middle East

Riyadh, Asharq Al-Awsat—Saudi Arabia’s King Salman Bin Abdulaziz ordered a major cabinet reshuffle and awarded bonuses to all state employees in a string of royal decrees announced by the monarch one week after succeeding his late brother King Abdullah to the throne....

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Fighters from the Al-Nusra Front, Al-Qaeda’s Syria branch, hold a position as they fight against forces loyal to the regime on December 19, 2014 in the southern countryside of Syria’s northern city of Aleppo. (AFP Photo/Fadi Al-Halabi)

Syria: Battle between Al-Qaeda and Western-backed group spreads

by Asharq Al-Awsat | Jan 30, 2015 | Middle East

Beirut, Reuters—Fighting between the Syrian arm of Al-Qaeda and Western-backed rebels in northern Syria spread from Aleppo province into neighboring Idlib on Friday, the rebel group and an organization monitoring the civil war said. Clashes began on Thursday when Al...

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A pro-Russian separatist aims his rifle at a suspect car near the eastern Ukrainian city of Debaltseve, on January 28, 2015.
(AFP Photo/Manu Brabo)

EU wins Greek backing to extend Russia sanctions, delays decision on new steps

by Asharq Al-Awsat | Jan 30, 2015 | World

Brussels and Kiev, Reuters—European Union foreign ministers extended existing sanctions against Russia on Thursday, holding off on tighter economic measures for now but winning the support of the new left-leaning government of Greece, whose position had been in doubt....