France says top issue is de-escalation _ not US-Iran talks

UNITED NATIONS (AP) — France's top diplomat said Sunday the most pressing issue following attacks on key Saudi Arabian oil installations is not a potential meeting between the leaders of the United States and Iran but whether it's possible to de-escalate the current "dangerous" situation. Foreign Minister...

'Deficit of trust': At UN, leaders of a warming world gather

UNITED NATIONS (AP) — The planet is getting hotter, and tackling that climate peril will grab the spotlight as world leaders gather for their annual meeting at the United Nations this week facing an undeniable backdrop: rising tensions from the Persian Gulf to Afghanistan and increasing nationalism,...

Italy to take in 182 migrants from humanitarian ship

ABOARD THE OCEAN VIKING (AP) — A ship carrying 182 migrants rescued in the Mediterranean Sea said Sunday that Italy has granted permission for its passengers to disembark in Sicily. Italy's decision to take in the Ocean Viking comes ahead of a meeting in Malta on Monday that will be attended by French,...

Arab lawmakers in Israel endorse Gantz for prime minister

JERUSALEM (AP) — The Arab bloc in Israel's parliament abandoned its usual hands-off stance Sunday and endorsed former military chief Benny Gantz for prime minister, potentially giving him the edge over hard-line incumbent Benjamin Netanyahu. The historic move marked the first time in nearly three decades...

Iran asks West to leave Persian Gulf as tensions heightened

TEHRAN, Iran (AP) — Iran's president called Sunday on Western powers to leave the security of the Persian Gulf to regional nations led by Tehran, criticizing a new U.S.-led coalition patrolling the region's waterways as nationwide parades showcased the Islamic Republic's military arsenal. Hassan Rouhani...

Egypt warns media it's monitoring protest coverage

CAIRO (AP) — Egypt's media authority warned journalists Sunday that it was monitoring coverage to ensure they abide by "professional codes" amid a rare burst of protests against President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi. The warning came hours after the latest small protest was dispersed by police in clouds of tear...

Iraq officials: New strike targets military base, no damage

BEIRUT (AP) — An Iraqi security official and a militia commander say a new airstrike has targeted a military base in the western Anbar province. Sunday's strike missed the base, landing outside the perimeter and causing no damage or casualties. The airstrike was the latest in a series of unclaimed strikes...

The Latest: Arab lawmakers in Israel endorse Gantz for PM

JERUSALEM (AP) — The Latest on the Israeli elections (all times local): 7:26 p.m. The Arab bloc in Israel's parliament has endorsed Blue and White party chairman Benny Gantz for prime minister. With that nod, Gantz looks to edge by incumbent Benjamin Netanyahu in the number of lawmakers who will endorse...

From IS camp, Syrian family returns home to a hostile city

RAQQA, Syria (AP) — After two years on the run with the Islamic State group, Um Mahmoud just wanted to return home. When she finally made it to Raqqa with her daughters and grandchildren, she found her home partially burned but livable. She also found a hostile city reluctant to take her back. The...

Arab lawmakers in Israel endorse Benny Gantz for prime minister, giving him an edge over incumbent Benjamin Netanyahu

JERUSALEM (AP) — Arab lawmakers in Israel endorse Benny Gantz for prime minister, giving him an edge over incumbent Benjamin Netanyahu.