Iran downplays Hormuz threat amid fears of military confrontation, battle looms in Yemeni town captured by al-Qaeda, violence continues in Syria as Arab League's mission mandate expires, and more.

Killings and defections continue in Syria as a fragmented Transitional Council is formed in Turkey, Bahraini opposition rejects the king's speech, Libyan revolutionaries mass for assault on Sirte, and more.

African Union peacekeepers capture three sites in Mogadishu, Bahrain's opposition figures reject outcome of "national dialogue," Libyan revolutionaries seize strategic town of Ghazaya, and more.

Syria's humanitarian crisis worsens as crackdown continues, Russia intensifies Libya diplomacy efforts as NATO continues its operations, anti-government demonstrators question Iraq's democracy, and more.

Libya's Gaddafi vows to fight to the death, European powers step up pressure on Syrian regime, Yemeni protesters urge interim leader to start transition, and more.

NATO warplanes pound Tripoli while Russia calls for negotiations, Syrian "city of ghosts" braces for army assault, Israeli settlers burn and deface West Bank mosque, and more.

Libya's revolutionaries seize airport in besieged Misurata, Syrian forces kill five anti-regime protestors in Homs, Yemeni cities continue civil disobedience campaign, and more.

Thousands rally for reform in Morocco, Syria broadens crackdown on anti-government protestors, Copts and Muslims denounce sectarian violence in Egypt, and more.

Thousands of Syrians answer call for a 'Day of Defiance,' Amnesty International accuses Libyan regime of war crimes, Tunisian protestors demand resignation of transitional government, and more.

Crackdown intensifies on besieged Syrian city as solidarity protests continue, Fatah and Hamas sign unity agreement, Bahrain's arrest campaign rages on, and more.

Today's Headlines: Israeli forces shoot Palestinian man 10 times while he sleeps in West Bank, Sarkozy denounces attack on Mideast Christians, Iraqi protesters demand expulsion of anti-Iranian group, and more.