Turkey’s prime minister reshuffled the bulk of his Cabinet Friday, appointing an official who has mediated indirect talks between Syria and Israel as foreign minister.

Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan has reshuffled his entire Cabinet, and his new foreign minister is an official who has mediated indirect talks between Syria and Israel.

The vast majority of Iraqis who fled their country have no plans to return even though violence is way down, many hoping instead to resettle in the West.

Former President Jimmy Carter said Tuesday that the United States and Syria are close to restoring full diplomatic ties, but he doubted Cuba’s new openness means its leaders are ready to grant free speech or change their political system.

Former President Jimmy Carter said Tuesday that the United States and Syria are close to restoring full diplomatic ties, but he doubted Cuba’s new openness means its leaders are ready to grant free speech or change their political system.

The Turkish military said it launched a joint drill with Syrian soldiers on their shared border Monday in order to improve security. Israel, an ally of Turkey and a longtime foe of Syria, expressed concern.

Ahead of an election that could oust the U.S.-backed Beirut government, America’s top diplomat said Sunday that Washington supports “voices of moderation” and never will make a deal Syria that “sells out” Lebanon’s interests.

Israel’s foreign minister said Sunday he would be willing to immediately hold peace talks with Syria, but only without preconditions.

The prime ministers of Syria and Iraq discussed ways to prevent militants from crossing the porous border between the two countries Tuesday during the highest level Syrian visit to Iraq in almost three decades, an Iraqi government spokesman said.

Syrian President Bashar Assad told an Italian newspaper that he is ready to act as a mediator between the West and Iran, and would like to meet U.S. President Barack Obama.