Latest from Middle East Conflict

Pope ditches script amid politics of Mideast tour

Pope Francis has called for Christians, Jews and Muslims to work together for peace as he toured holy sites in Jerusalem on the final day of his Middle East pilgrimage.

Pope pleads for end to Middle East conflicts

His only previous trip to the Middle East had to be cut short after the outbreak of one of its worst crises - the 1973 Yom Kippur War that pitted Israel against Egypt and Syria.

Teens refuse to join army

To some, they are heroes ready to trade their personal liberty for the sake of high principle. To others, they are spoiled rich children, shirking their national duty on the backs of the less fortunate.

Alexander Gillespie: Three into one an unworkable equation for Syria peace

The second round of peace talks for Syria have now collapsed. This double failure will accelerate the death toll.

Security forces hold evacuees from Homs

The fate of dozens of men detained by the Syrian security forces as they left the besieged city of Homs is continuing to cause international concern.

Taliban enters talks to end terror in Pakistan

The Pakistan Government met the Taliban for the first time yesterday in a last-ditch attempt to end the group's seven-year campaign of terror.

Report rich fodder for conspiracy theorists

Cost of ongoing conflict carried in a grandfather's arms

NZ ready to aid Middle East deal