Ruth Pollard
Ruth Pollard is the Middle East Correspondent for The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age. Her job takes her throughout the Middle East and North Africa, reporting on the Arab revolutions from Egypt, Libya, Lebanon, Turkey, Jordan, Tunisia and on the conflict in Israel and Palestine.
Syria's top diplomat in London defects over 'violent and oppressive' regime
Ruth Pollard in Antakya, Turkey Syria's most senior diplomat in Britain has announced his defection, saying he can no longer represent a regime that has “committed such violent and oppressive acts against its own...
Assad's forces score victory in Syria fight
Ruth Pollard As the United Nations human rights body voted to condemn Syria's use of foreign fighters in its deadly attacks on the border town of Quasyr, it appeared the regime's forces, backed by up to 2000...
Syrian war spilling over borders
Ruth Pollard Tensions are rising along Syria's borders as government forces battle to regain control of a strategic border town from rebel fighters.
High stakes, hidden foes in Israel's intervention
Ruth Pollard It is just under seven years since the skies over Lebanon roared with the sound of Israeli fighter jets and missiles rained down on both sides in a furious 34-day war.
Israel, Syrian army exchange gunfire
Ruth Pollard Tensions have risen along Syria’s now-volatile southern border with Israel after an exchange of artillery fire in the Golan Heights.
Tragedy of young lives lost remembered in Gallipoli
Ruth Pollard As thousands gathered along the tiny stretch of coast where so many Australians died on the unforgiving battlefields of Gallipoli, a clear dawn sky emerged out of the cold, moonlit night and a hush...
Aleppo massacre: 68 bodies found near river
Ruth Pollard The bodies lie on the muddy concrete bordering a small canal in Aleppo, many with their hands tied behind their back, each with a bullet to the head, their blood spilling into the stagnant water...
Israel's settlement plan sparks protest
Ruth Pollard Israel is facing international condemnation over its plans to significantly expand settlement construction in occupied territory in the West Bank, Fairfax's Ruth Pollard reports.
Security Council plans debate as ceasefire hopes dim
Ruth Pollard AS MIDDLE EAST leaders work with the US Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, to broker a ceasefire agreement acceptable to Israel and Hamas, United Nations ambassadors in New York announced the...
Human rights groups condemn 'war crimes' by Syrian rebels
Ruth Pollard Middle East Correspondent THE terrified men lie huddled in a group on the dusty floor of an abandoned building as armed opposition fighters kick and stamp on their bodies.
Syrian massacre highlights disregard for human rights on both sides
Ruth Pollard THE terrified men lie huddled in a group on the dusty floor of an abandoned building as armed opposition fighters kick and stomp on them.
Netanyahu calls early poll to halt 'turmoil'
Ruth Pollard ISRAELIS are facing the prospect of early elections again following Benjamin Netanyahu's widely anticipated announcement that his government would go to the polls as early as January.
Syrian rebels dispute loss to army as envoy defects
Ruth Pollard Syria's opposition and observers dispute the government's claims it has regained control of parts of Aleppo after another day of shelling and clashes in its largest city.
Wave of terror feared for Syrians
Ruth Pollard, Middle East Correspondent Violence feared after second UN resolution against Syria's regime fails to pass.
Fast and furiously keen, Speed Sisters become queens of the road
Ruth Pollard Ramallah It is no wonder these women love to drive - speeding is the antithesis to their experience of life under the occupation.
Palestinian women take the fast track to freedom
Ruth Pollard Betty Saadeh pulls up to the kerb in her modified, deep-red Volkswagen Golf GTI, dark aviator sunglasses, styled blonde hair and flawless make-up.
Israel tests missile as warning to Iranians
Ruth Pollard AS ISRAEL'S Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, reportedly continues to press senior ministers to support an attack on Iran's nuclear facilities, the government and the Israeli people remain deeply...
Soft touch as Syria may tip region
Ruth Pollard The besuited diplomats sit stiffly in the white plastic chairs, while around them, Syrian men bow their heads in grief.
Call for controlled collapse in Syria or face war
Ruth Pollard The suited diplomats sit stiffly in white plastic chairs, while around them Syrian men bow in grief.
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...
