Mastermind of 9/11 attacks had been missing since he disappeared in Afghanistan in late 2001; military operation is major coup for U.S. president and his national security team; Bush: This is a 'momentous achievement.'

The European Union has agreed to impose sanctions against Syria for its brutal repression on anti-government protesters.

After years in exile in Damascus, the Hamas political leadership, headed by Khaled Meshaal, will leave the Syrian capital for the Arab emirate city just days after historic Fatah-Hamas reconciliation deal.

European Union foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton reacted with caution to the Palestinian reconciliation agreement between Fatah and Hamas.

Friday's demonstrations reportedly have the backing of the outlawed Islamist group, the Muslim Brotherhood, which was crushed by the regime in 1982.

At least 35 have been killed since attack in Daraa began at dawn on Monday; over 2,000 Syrian security police deployed in Damascus suburb of Duma Tuesday, manning road blocks and checking the identity of residents.

Incident prompts emergency Israel Electrical Company meeting; Egyptian security officials say explosion may have occurred following attack by armed gang.

Damascus rejects Ban's call for independent probe; Assad sends troops into Douma, continues Deraa crackdown where activists say 35 dead.

More than half of Egyptians say the peace treaty with Israel should be annulled, a new poll has found.

Iran has discovered a second computer virus designed to damage government computer systems.