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Libya Govt. Rejects Suspension of FM Weeks before Election

Libya's government has rejected a decision by the country's presidential council to suspend the foreign minister over allegations of monopolizing foreign policy.

The standoff between the two bodies is likely to increase political tensions in the North African county less than seven weeks before planned elections. It also comes a few days ahead of an international conference in Paris to push for holding the vote as scheduled Dec. 24.

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Palestinians, Israel Spar over U.S. Mission in Jerusalem

The Palestinians have slammed Israel for rejecting the promised reopening of the U.S. consulate in Jerusalem, a move that would restore Washington's main diplomatic mission for the Palestinians in the contested city.

Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett said there was no room in Jerusalem for another American mission.

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Tension Rises in Iraq after Failed Bid to Assassinate PM

The failed assassination attempt against Iraq's prime minister at his residence on Sunday has ratcheted up tensions following last month's parliamentary elections, in which the Iran-backed militias were the biggest losers.

Helicopters circled in the Baghdad skies throughout the day, while troops and patrols deployed around Baghdad and near the capital's fortified Green Zone, where the overnight attack occurred.

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Iraq PM Kadhemi: Former Spy Chief Facing Uncertain Future

Iraq's prime minister Mustafa al-Kadhemi -- who survived an assassination attempt on Sunday -- is a former spy chief and skilled negotiator who faces an uncertain future following last month's legislative elections.

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Iran Urges 'Vigilance' after Drone Attack on Iraqi PM

Iran on Sunday said it condemned a drone attack targeting Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhemi and urged "vigilance to foil plots aimed at the security and development" of his country.

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U.S. Condemns Attack on Iraq PM as 'Apparent Act of Terrorism'

The United States has condemned a drone attack on Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhemi, which it characterized as an "apparent act of terrorism."

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Iraqi PM Survives Assassination Bid with Drones

Iraq's Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi survived an assassination attempt with armed drones that targeted his residence early Sunday and officials said he was unharmed. The attack was a major escalation amid tensions sparked by the refusal of Iran-backed militias to accept last month's parliamentary election results.

Two Iraqi officials told The Associated Press that seven of al-Kadhimi's security guards were injured in the attack with two armed drones which occurred in Baghdad's heavily fortified Green Zone area. They spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to give official statements.

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Hamas 'Guardian' Law Keeps Gaza Woman from Studying Abroad

Afaf al-Najar had found a way out of Gaza.

The 19-year-old won a scholarship to study communications in Turkey, secured all the necessary travel documents and even paid $500 to skip the long lines at the Rafah crossing with Egypt.

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Iraqi Security Forces Clash with Pro-Iran Protesters in Baghdad

Hundreds of supporters of pro-Iran groups clashed with security forces in Iraq's capital Friday, expressing their fury over last month's election result, AFP journalists and a security source said.

Demonstrators from groups loyal to the Hashed al-Shaabi paramilitary network threw projectiles and "blocked... access to the (high-security) Green Zone" on three sides, before they were pushed back by police who fired in the air, a security source said, requesting anonymity. 

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For a Few Hours, Bicyclists Rule Dubai's Busy Superhighway

For a few brief hours on Friday, the skyscraper-lined superhighway that cuts through the center of Dubai emptied of the cars always clogging it to give way to tens of thousands of bicyclists.

The annual Dubai Ride saw bikes race down Sheikh Zayed Road, a 10-lane asphalt jungle that gives drivers a view of the world's tallest building and other sites.

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