Syrian colonel defects in MiG fighter jet as world explores a way out for Assad

Ruth Pollard in Amman A Syrian air force colonel has become the country's first senior military officer to defect in his aircraft, seeking asylum in Jordan after making an emergency landing in his MiG-21 fighter jet.

Wave of terror feared for Syrians

Ruth Pollard, Middle East Correspondent Violence feared after second UN resolution against Syria's regime fails to pass.

US punishes companies for Iran sales

Ruth Pollard The US has sanctioned three foreign companies for doing business with Iran.

US turns screws on firms selling to Iran

Ruth Pollard JERUSALEM: The United States has sanctioned three foreign companies for doing business with Iran as the international pressure on Tehran over its nuclear program intensifies and the fallout from the...

Sanctions key to avoiding Iran strikes, say experts

Ruth Pollard, Simon Mann JERUSALEM: Only tougher sanctions from Western powers, including severe restrictions on oil and travel, will slow Iran's nuclear progress and avoid the need for military action, experts have warned...

West Bank religious sites first for world heritage request

Ruth Pollard JERUSALEM: Significant religious sites throughout the West Bank, including the Church of Nativity in Bethlehem and Joseph's Tomb in Nablus, will be among the first to be pushed forward for world...

US recalls ambassador over safety fears in Syria

Ruth Pollard RELATIONS between Syria and the US have descended into tit-for-tat diplomacy as international concern mounted about military violence against protesters and fresh allegations emerged of injured...

Syria, US withdraw diplomats in tit-for-tat blows

Ruth Pollard Concern mounts about military violence against protesters and fresh allegations about injured activists and staff being tortured in hospitals.

Palestinians angered by Blair's seeming 'bias'

Ruth Pollard JERUSALEM: Palestinian frustration at the actions of the Middle East envoy, Tony Blair, has spilled over into outright hostility, with officials saying they ''cannot trust anything'' the former...

Palestinians claim envoy Blair is 'pro-Israel'

Ruth Pollard, Jerusalem Palestinian frustration with Middle East peace envoy Tony Blair spills over into outright hostility, with officials saying they 'cannot trust anything' the former British prime minister says.

Russia to urge political settlement in Syria

Ruth Pollard, Beirut Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov was due to arrive in Damascus overnight to urge Syrian President Bashar al-Assad towards a political settlement.

Libyan rebels massing as talks fail

Ruth Pollard and Al Krarim Forces gather outside desert town of Bani Walid, awaiting full-scale assault order.

UN, Arab League may act on Syria horror

Ruth Pollard, Middle East Correspondent The United Nations has flagged the possibility of a joint UN-Arab League mission to Syria.

As Syria bleeds

Ruth Pollard, Tripoli The subdued, early morning, grey-blue sky is mesmerisingly calm on the live webcam that is trained across the rooftops of the besieged Syrian city of Homs.

Syrian conflict attracting foreign fighters, weapons

Ruth Pollard, Beirut Syria has become a magnet for foreign fighters, with al-Qaeda aligned jihadists streaming across the border from Iraq and rebel soldiers from the Libyan city of Misrata crossing in from Turkey,...

Revulsion grows at Homs bombardment

Ruth Pollard and Karen Kissane Ministers from 80 countries are preparing to meet in Tunis to discuss Syria's escalating crisis.

Ruth Pollard

Sanctions buy diplomatic time in Iran standoff

Ruth Pollard he toughest sanctions yet seem to be biting and cooler heads are calling for calm.

Syrian truce fails to stop bloodshed

Ruth Pollard As Syria's President Bashar al-Assad formally accepted the UN-brokered ceasefire proposal, his troops continued to open fire on people across the country.