Turkey-backed fighters retaliate against Syria-allied troops

BEIRUT (AP) — Syrian opposition groups lobbed hundreds of missiles and artillery rockets at government posts in northwestern Syria on Tuesday, in retaliation for a deadly attack that killed dozens of their fighters a day earlier.

US: Turkey-sent Syrian fighters generate backlash in Libya

CAIRO (AP) — A U.S. report said the presence of thousands of Syrian mercenaries sent by Turkey to Libya to fight on the side of the U.N.-supported government was likely to degrade security and generate backlash from the Libyan public.

UN calls for Turkish Cypriots to close beach in Varosha

UNITED NATIONS (AP) — The U.N. Security Council called on Turkey and Turkish-controlled northern Cyprus on Thursday to close a beach in uninhabitated Varosha that was opened this week and avoid any unilateral actions “that could raise tensions on the island.”

AP Explains: Hagia Sophia's history of conflict and faith

ANKARA, Turkey (AP) — Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is scheduled to join hundreds of worshippers Friday for the first Muslim prayers at the Hagia Sophia in 86 years, after a controversial high court ruling paved the way for the landmark monument to be turned back into a mosque.

AP Explains: Hagia Sophia's history of conflict and faith

ANKARA, Turkey (AP) — Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is scheduled to join hundreds of worshippers Friday for the first Muslim prayers at the Hagia Sophia in 86 years, after a controversial high court ruling paved the way for the landmark monument to be turned back into a mosque.

Russia to host meeting of Libya's rival leaders

MOSCOW (AP) — Russia is set to host a meeting of Libya's rival leaders Monday — a mediation effort closely coordinated with Turkey.

Turkish health authority gives go-ahead for emergency use of Chinese Sinovac vaccine

ANKARA, Turkey (AP) — Turkish health authority gives go-ahead for emergency use of Chinese Sinovac vaccine.

The Latest: Biden says 'very good' talks with Turk president

The Latest on the NATO summit taking place in Brussels:

Egyptian president says Libyan city Sirte a 'red line'

CAIRO (AP) — Egypt’s president Saturday warned that an attempt by Turkey-backed forces in Libya to attack the strategic city of Sirte would cross a “red line" and trigger a direct Egyptian military intervention into the conflict.

Several springtime thoughts running through my mind

This is a great time of the year. The Columbia Basin is awakening to a fresh and new springtime. The lawns are turning green and some landowners are mowing on a regular basis.

Libya ceasefire talks in Moscow adjourned for the night

MOSCOW (AP) — Talks in Moscow about bringing an end to Libya's long-running civil war have been adjourned for the night after the country's rival governments on Monday considered ceasefire proposals from Russia and Turkey.

Libya’s rival leaders leave Moscow without ceasefire deal

MOSCOW (AP) — Russia sought Tuesday to downplay the collapse of talks that sought to secure a ceasefire in Libya after the country's rival leaders left Moscow without reaching an agreement, an outcome that cast a shadow on an upcoming Libya summit hosted by Germany.

Turkey: Saudi suspects tried in absentia for Khashoggi death

ISTANBUL (AP) — A Turkish court on Friday opened the trial in absentia of two former aides of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and 18 other Saudi nationals over the 2018 killing of Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi.

Turkish prosecutors file indictment over Khashoggi killing

ANKARA, Turkey (AP) — Turkish prosecutors have formally charged two former aides of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and 18 other Saudi nationals over the 2018 killing of Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi, officials said Wednesday.

Syrian insurgents down government helicopter in Aleppo

BEIRUT (AP) — A government helicopter was shot down and its crew killed Friday in Syria's northwest, where a military offensive against opposition fighters is unfolding, a Syrian military official and activists said.

2012 Samaritan Turkey Drive

Turkey: US consulate employee receives 5-year jail term

ANKARA, Turkey (AP) — A Turkish court on Tuesday convicted a local employee of the U.S. Consulate in Istanbul of aiding a terrorist organization and sentenced him to five years and two months in prison, the state-run Anadolu news agency reported.

Turkish lawmakers pass bill monitoring civil society groups

ISTANBUL (AP) — Turkey’s parliament approved a law Sunday that would increase government monitoring of civil society groups, which rights groups have warned would violate the freedom of association.

Turkish lawmakers pass bill monitoring civil society groups

ISTANBUL (AP) — Turkey’s parliament approved a law Sunday that would increase government monitoring of civil society groups, which rights groups have warned would violate the freedom of association.

Thanksgiving donations sought for food bank

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake Food Bank is looking for donations for its annual Thanksgiving basket distribution, and it being Thanksgiving, they need turkeys.