Diplomats at U.N. haggle with Russia toward a compromise on Syria (01.02.2012)

(Source:New York Times)

Security Council ambassadors on Wednesday began trying to negotiate a compromise resolution on Syria, with the bartering focused in good part on the conditions under which President Bashar al-Assad could be asked to cede power.

In Middle East, Ban urges stepped-up efforts to resolve Israeli-Palestinian conflict (01.02.2012)

(Source:UN News)

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today called on Israelis and Palestinians to take steps that will build trust and ensure an environment conducive to sustained negotiations, voicing his hope that the nascent talks begun last month between the two sides will continue.

Arab League suspends Syria mission as violence rages (29.01.2012)

(Source:Reuters AlertNet)

The Arab League suspended its monitoring mission in Syria because of worsening violence, a move Damascus said was an attempt to encourage foreign intervention as it struggles to quell a 10-month revolt against President Bashar al-Assad.

Iraq bloc to end parliament boycott (29.01.2012)

(Source:Al Jazeera)

The largest political alliance in Iraq's government has said that it would end its boycott of parliament.

The decision by Iraqiya on Sunday, backed by much of the country's Sunnis and some secular Shias, could ease an ongoing political crisis in the government of Nuri al-Maliki, Iraq's Shia prime minister.

Arab League awaits Syria reply on monitor extension (24.01.2012)

(Source:Reuters AlertNet)

Arab monitors will not stop working in Syria because of a decision by Gulf states to pull out their observers but the Arab League is still waiting for Damascus to respond to a request to formally extend the mission.

Ban appoints new force commander for UN operation in Lebanon (23.01.2012)

(Source:UN News)

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has appointed Major General Paolo Serra of Italy as the new head of the United Nations mission responsible for helping foster stability in southern Lebanon.

Arab League monitors to report on Syria as mandate ends (19.01.2012)

(Source:BBC)

Syrian's government is reportedly keen for the monitors to stay, but the opposition wants the UN to intervene.

Sunni-backed Allawi says Maliki risks splitting Iraq (18.01.2012)

(Source:Washington Post)

Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki is pushing to form a Shiite-controlled government that risks tearing the country apart unless he changes course or is removed from office, a Sunni-backed politician said at a news conference Wednesday.

Syria rejects Arab troop proposal (17.01.2012)

(Source:Al Jazeera)

Syria has rejected any plans to send Arab troops into the country, saying it will "confront" and "stand firm" against military intervention after the ruler of Qatar said in a television interview that Arab countries should step in with force.

Observer mission in Syria begins to unravel, pushing forward UN option (12.01.2012)

(Source:Christian Science Monitor)

As the Arab League observer mission in Syria teeters amid accusations from members it is a farce, pressure may build for Syria to be referred to the UN Security Council.