BAGHDAD / AP An influential Iraqi Shiite cleric has called on the United Nations and the Organization of Islamic Countries to help find a solution to the country’s simmering political crisis “even through holding early elections.” In a handwritten statement issued on Wednesday, cleric Muqtada Al Sadr, ordered Sadrist lawmakers to withdraw from a parliament sit-in that demands the country’s …

  Sanaa / AP Yemen’s Houthi rebels and their allies have agreed to join delayed peace talks in Kuwait after the United Nations assured them that pro-government forces would abide by a ceasefire. The UN-brokered talks were set to open in Kuwait on Monday but were put off after the Iran-backed insurgents failed to show up over alleged Saudi violations …

  Juba / AFP Fragile hopes for an end to South Sudan’s civil war are being tested by the rebel leader’s failure to return to the capital to form a unity government. International pressure is growing after Riek Machar, a former rebel leader turned deputy president who was fired, became a rebel leader again and has now fought his way …