Spain: in favor of recognizing a Palestinian state 'in very near term'

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney spoke with Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Thursday, according to a statement from Carney's office.

Turkish companies see big opportunities in neighbouring Syria as a lifting of U.S. sanctions clears the way for investment in post-war reconstruction, but they remain wary of challenges, from lingering insecurity to banking and tax headaches.

In a development few foresaw, the Lebanese army has made substantial headway in asserting state authority over southern Lebanon, an area long dominated by Hezbollah.