World
Middle East
Roman swords discovered in a Dead Sea cave ‘in mint condition’
The cache of exceptionally intact artefacts, including hilts and scabbards, tells a story of empire and rebellion, of long-distance conquest and insurrection.
- by Ilan Ben Zion
Latest
Scientists have grown a human-like embryo in a lab without sperm or egg
The man-made embryo even released hormones that tested positive on a pregnancy scan. They say it will help miscarriage research.
- by Sarah Knapton
EU poster boy held in Iran prison on ‘spying’ charges
For more than a year, Johan Floderus appeared in adverts to entice Swedes to apply for the bloc’s civil service. His jailing was kept a closely guarded secret.
- by James Crisp
‘They’re not going to stop’: First soccer and golf – will cricket be next for the Saudis?
Some call it sports washing, others call it image and reputation management. Whatever it is, Saudi Arabia’s multibillion-dollar spending spree isn’t likely to stop any time soon.
- by Lucy Cormack
Iran accuses Israel of supplying potentially exploding parts for ballistic missile program
Footage aired by state TV showed the alleged parts, some of them popping up into the air, as if affected by an explosive.
- by Jon Gambrell
From outcast to powerbroker: Mohammed bin Salman’s surprising turn of fate
The outlook for the young Saudi rule had looked bleak. But it has all been turned on its head. Rather than being isolated, MBS is at the centre of the world.
- by Ben Judah
US knew Saudis were killing, abusing migrants at the border
American officials said the UN told them that Saudi security forces were shooting, shelling and abusing migrants, leaving many dead and wounded.
- by Ben Hubbard
Updated
Pakistan
Seven children, one teacher rescued from dangling cable car in Pakistan
The high-risk operation was completed successfully in the darkness of night after the cable car snagged early in the morning, leaving it hanging precariously at an angle.
- by Mushtaq Ali, Asif Shahzad and Gibran Naiyyar Peshimam
Israel will supply $5.4b missile shield to Germany
Last year Berlin launched a project with 17 other nations to create a European anti-missile shield. The new deal, may have ramifications for the war in Ukraine.
- by Julia Frankel
After accusing Pakistani Christians of desecrating Koran, Muslim mobs attack churches
The scale of the violence prompted the government to deploy additional police forces and send in the army to help restore order.
- by Munir Ahmed and Asim Tanveer
Iranian women forced to wash corpses for refusing to wear veil
The punishments highlight a widening crackdown on women and girls, as Iranian MPs vote to review, behind closed doors, new laws that would enshrine penalties.
- by Lucy Cormack