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.

Iraq faces growing political and sectarian chaos, Saudi protestors call for release of political prisoners, a look back at the Arab spring in the countries of the Gulf, and more.

Sudanese groups form military alliance to topple al-Bashir's regime, Morocco's Islamists parties divided over election boycott, EU censors its own film on Afghan women prisoners, and more.

Anti-regime Syrians strike as massive pro-Assad rally held in Damascus, Libya's new ruler urges NATO to stay through 2011, Iranian workers rally in solidarity with "Occupy Wall Street," and more.

Mercenaries to fill the void left by withdrawal of US troops from Iraq, Jordanian youth and tribes demand tangible reforms, UN rights office urges inquiry into Gaddafi's death