Iraqi Shiites protest Maliki government

KARBALA // A group of 5,000 Iraqi Shiite demonstrators in the city of Karbala turned the religious observance of Ashura into a political protest against the government of prime minister Nouri al Maliki today, expressing wide-ranging criticisms as the country prepares for a critical national election in early March. The protesters gathered outside the Imam Hussein shrine to greet the hundreds of thousands of pilgrims who had descended on the city. "We don't vote for people who steal public money," the protesters shouted.

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EDITOR'S PICKS

How Iraq can pull back from the brink

Residents stand amid rubble at blast scene in Tuz Khormatu town in northern Iraq May 21, 2013. Three persons were killed and 52 others were injured after two car bombs were set off in Tuz Khormatu on Tuesday, according to the police. REUTERS/Stringer (IRAQ - Tags: CIVIL UNREST) *** Local Caption *** BAG303_IRAQ-_0521_11.JPG

Some warn of a return to the dark days of 2006 and 2007, but Sunni political pragmatism may show a peaceful way forward. Analysis by Iraq historian Reidar Visser How Iraq can pull back from the brink

Constantine, the most beautiful city you've never heard of

Famous for its dramatic bridges, the eastern Algerian city of Constantine has been selected as the 'Arab Capital of Culture' for 2015. Photo: Lindsay Mackenzie for the National.

Most people don't know anything about the Algerian city selected by the Arab League's cultural arm to be the capital of Arab culture in 2015. Alice Fordham reports from Constantine Constantine, the most beautiful city you've never heard of

America's hidden agenda in Syria's war

EDITORS NOTE: RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE -- MANDATORY CREDIT

Exclusive: Influential Syrian rebel commander claims US intelligence officers are trying to enlist rebels to fight their fellow insurgents, the Al Qaeda-affiliated Jabhat Al Nusra, instead of helping them overthrow Bashar Al Assad. Phil Sands reports America's hidden agenda in Syria's war

Egypt's pursuit of Mubarak's cronies falters

Egypt vowed to pursue men like Hussein Salem, the 'Father of Sharm El Sheikh', for riches gained under ousted premier Hosni Mubarak. But hard times may have blunted its zeal. Bradley Hope reports from Cairo Egypt's pursuit of Mubarak's cronies falters

Muslim Brotherhood opens direct link to rebels in Damascus

Members of the Free Syrian Army walk with their weapons in Al Izaa district in Aleppo February 16, 2013. REUTERS/Muzaffar Salman (SYRIA - Tags: CONFLICT POLITICS CIVIL UNREST) *** Local Caption *** SYR09_SYRIA-CRISIS-_0216_11.JPG

Brotherhood opens direct contacts with opposition groups in Damascus, providing them with cash for the first time and promising political influence in an effort to gain their support. Phil Sands reports Muslim Brotherhood opens direct link to rebels in Damascus

Cypriots draw on spirit of '74 to see them through euro crisis

Caption:Greek Cypriots refugees wait for their departure to the South of the island, under control of Greek Cypriots authorities, after Turkish authorities give the authorisation, Nicosia, on November 14, 1974. During Atilla II, second stage of Turkish operation on August 14, 1974, more than 30 per cent of the land (in the North) came under Turkish occupation, and in the process, many Greek Cypriots who made up 82 per cent of the population in the north became refugees behind the ceasefire line, called the

Cypriots rekindle courage from Turkish invasion, saying they have endured far worse than the current economic slump, even as harrowing tales emerge daily of poverty and hunger. Michael Theodoulou reports from Nicosia Cypriots draw on spirit of '74 to see them through euro crisis