Arab Spring, Internet encourage more openness in country where until recently homosexuality was criminal offense

Former US president says Washington should rebalance power in Syria in light of Russian, Iranian and Hezbollah involvement; claims president shouldn't let public opinion polls dictate policy

New Palestinian government sworn in with Rami Hamdallah, an academic, at its helm. Hamdallah replaced Fayyad, who quit amid political disagreement with Abbas

Jewish National Fund pulls out of funding expensive Clinton lecture – priced at $500,000 for 45-minutes – after public outcry; 'we decided to wash our hands of the event,' JNF member says

Hours after Austria decided to withdraw peacekeeping forces from Golan, citing deteriorating security conditions, UN, Israel concerned about vacuum troops will leave

Passenger finds note reading 'I'll set this plane on fire,' fighter jets divert plane to UK; none arrested yet, police suspect prank

Pro-Iranian sources tell The Independent Tehran now fully committed to preserving Assad's regime, may propose opening up new 'Syrian' front on Golan Heights against Israel

Surprising Google Trends study by Mother Jones reveals Islamic country leads searches for gay porn, most emanating from Muslim bastion Peshawar