Latest from Middle East

Blackwater founder sells up as criticism mounts

Iranian group to challenge aid blockade

The Iranian Red Crescent is planning to send humanitarian aid by sea to Gaza in a brazen challenge to Israel's sea blockade.

US involved in deadly Yemen attack - watchdog

Amnesty International says a US cruise missile armed with cluster ammunition was used in an attack in Yemen which left 52 dead.

UN proposes Palmer to head Gaza inquiry

Former New Zealand prime minister Sir Geoffrey Palmer has been suggested to lead an inquiry into the raid on a Gaza-bound flotilla a week ago.

Useless checkpoint bomb detector remains in use

US on track to cut back troops

<i>Editorial</i>: Israeli overkill benefits only the extremists

<i>Cartoon</i>: The Gaza strip explained...

MFAT confirms identity of captured Kiwi

Several activists were killed when Israeli marines raided a Turkish ship near Gaza. Others were captured, including NZ's Nicola Enchmarch.

David Cameron: Life and times

Hummus wars: Lebanon goes one up

A new record has been set in the Middle Eastern equivalent of our scrap over pavlova with Aussie - with a ten ton batch of hummus

Shiite blocs close to sealing deal

US renews Syria sanctions

Sex case fails

Luxury resort in the middle of a war zone

Under the gaze of the Israeli army, one man is building an extraordinary hotel.

South Asia becomes centre of violence

Increases in terror attacks in Pakistan and Afghanistan triggered a spike in the number of civilians killed or wounded there last year.

Hostage's father condemns cartoon

Soccer: All Whites likely to face same route to next WC