Farmers innovate to save Iraq’s rice production

NAJAF, Iraq: After Iraqi farmer Muntazer Al-Joufi saw his once-blooming rice fields dwindle in recent years due to relentless drought, he fought back with harder seeds and water-saving irrigation techniques. “This is the first time we are using modern techniques that use less water” to grow rice, said Joufi, 40, as he surveyed his land … Read more

Palestinians say woman dies of wounds sustained in Israeli detention

JENIN, Palestinian Territories: A Palestinian woman died Monday from injuries inflicted by Israeli forces two months ago, authorities in the occupied West Bank said. “Former detainee Wafaa Jarrar, 50, from Jenin… died on Monday morning at Ibn Sina Hospital in Jenin as a result of very serious injuries sustained during her arrest,” the Palestinian Commission … Read more

Flurry of diplomacy to ease Mideast tensions as Israel awaits Iran attack

JERUSALEM: Diplomatic pressure mounted on Monday to avert an escalation between Iran and Israel after high-profile killings raised regional tensions. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said late Sunday that his country was “determined to confront” Iran and its allied armed groups “on all fronts.” As its war against Iran-backed Hamas in Gaza approaches its 11th … Read more