Gazans rally with exiled Hamas chief

GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip (AP) — The leader of the Islamic militant group Hamas vowed to continue fighting Israel Saturday, as hundreds of thousands of flag-waving Gazans turned out to celebrate the organization's 25th anniversary.Khaled Mashaal's visit to the Palestinian territory — a first in his lifetime of exile — underscores Hamas' rising clout and regional acceptance since its eight-day conflict...

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US officials say no 'pivot' away from Mideast

MANAMA, Bahrain (AP) — Senior American envoys challenged assertions Saturday that Washington seeks to diminish its role in Middle East affairs, insisting that American political ties and energy needs bind U.S. closely to the region.The defensive tone by U.S. officials in response to questions raised at an international security summit in Bahrain reflects growing speculation about a possible U.S....

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Saudi official: Gulf cannot 'tolerate' unrest

MANAMA, Bahrain (AP) — A senior Saudi official says Gulf Arab states must quash any Arab Spring-inspired unrest or risk threats to their leadership across the oil-rich region.The comments by Prince Abdulaziz bin Abdullah, the Saudi deputy foreign minister, echo calls by Gulf authorities to widen crackdowns on perceived opposition such as rights activists and Islamist factions.His remarks also seek...

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Egypt's military warns against political disputes

CAIRO (AP) — Egypt's military has warned of 'disastrous consequences' if the political crisis gripping the country is not resolved through dialogue.The military said in a statement read on state TV on Saturday that serious dialogue is the "best and only" way to overcome the nation's deepening political dispute.Violent protests and clashes between supporters of Islamist President Mohammed Morsi and...

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Brotherhood leader: Egyptians must disown violence

CAIRO (AP) — The spiritual leader of Egypt's fundamentalist Muslim Brotherhood  is urging Egyptians to disown violence, saying that working through the ballot box is the best way to lift the country out of its current political crisis.Egypt has been engulfed in turmoil linked to a contentious draft constitution backed by President Mohammed Morsi, who hails from the Brotherhood, and his Islamist...

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