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Iraqi PM to Focus on U.S. Troop Withdrawal in Biden Meeting

Weakened by pro-Iran factions at home, Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhemi will meet with U.S. President Joe Biden on Monday to discuss a possible full U.S. troop withdrawal from his country.

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Gaza City Blast Kills 1, Injures 10, Shakes Crowded Area

An explosion tore through a house in a popular market in the Gaza Strip on Thursday, killing one person and wounding 10, the Palestinian territory's interior ministry said.

It was not immediately clear what caused the explosion.

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Iraq Bombing Claimed by IS Kills Nearly 30 on Eve of Eid Holiday

The Islamic State group claimed responsibility early Tuesday for a suicide bombing that ripped through a busy market in the Iraqi capital ahead of Eid holiday celebrations, killing nearly 30 people, according to medical sources. 

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Syria Intercepts Israeli Missiles

Syrian air defenses shot down Israeli missile over the northern province of Aleppo on Monday, state media reported, in an attack that a war monitor said targeted positions of pro-regime groups.

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Pilgrims Flock to Mount Arafat in High Point of Pandemic-Era Hajj

Muslim pilgrims gathered at Saudi Arabia's Mount Arafat on Monday in the high point of this year's hajj, being held in downsized form and under coronavirus restrictions for the second year running.

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Reports: 50,000 Phone Numbers Worldwide on List Linked to Israeli Spyware

An Israeli firm accused of supplying spyware to governments has been linked to a list of tens of thousands of smartphone numbers, including those of activists, journalists, business executives and politicians around the world, according to reports.

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Algeria, Morocco Intensify Crackdown on Journalists

Although they are bitter rivals on many issues, North African neighbors Morocco and Algeria appear to have one thing in common: muzzling the press.

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KSA Stages 2nd Scaled-Down Hajj of Covid Era

Hajj pilgrims streamed out of the holy city of Mecca Sunday, launching the rituals of the great pilgrimage which Saudi Arabia is holding in a scaled-down form for a second year to ward off coronavirus.

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U.S. Drone Destroys Pro-Iran Militia Truck in Syria

A U.S. drone attack targeted a truck for an Iran-backed militia in eastern Syria on Sunday, destroying the vehicle without causing any casualties, two Iraqi militia officials said.

The attack came amid increasing tensions in the region between the U.S. military and Iran-backed Iraqi militias in recent weeks. The Americans have targeted militants who used drones and rockets to hit bases housing U.S. troops.

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Assad Takes Oath after Criticized Re-Election

President Bashar al-Assad took the oath of office for a fourth term in war-ravaged Syria Saturday, after taking 95 percent of the vote in a controversial election dismissed abroad.

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