Middle East

Preliminary results from Iraq's national election has given the coalition led by Nuri al-Maliki,  the prime minister, a head start in the country's largely Shia south.

Read more: Maliki bloc ahead in Iraq count

Three southern Yemeni independence activists have been killed and another 13 wounded in clashes with security forces during anti-government demonstrations in the country's restive south.

Read more: Yemeni separatist protesters killed

The US vice-president has said there should be no delay in resuming Israeli-Palestinian peace talks.

Read more: Biden urges speedy peace process

Middle Eastern countries feel tricked by the 40-year-old nuclear non-proliferation treaty (NPT), an Egyptian diplomat has warned.

Read more: Egypt says nuclear treaty 'a trick'

The family of a US student activist killed by an Israeli army bulldozer in Gaza has launched a case against the Israeli government.

Read more: US family seeks Israeli damages