A decision by Knesset Speaker Reuven Rivlin to upgrade flight accommodation of lawmakers traveling abroad has met with mixed reactions. Some Knesset members called the decision wasteful, saying at such times it is up to the Knesset members to set an example. Others accused Rivlin of offering favors with the hopes of garnering support to nominate him as the next president of Israel.

Egypt has launched a novel campaign in an effort to encourage its male population to stop smoking, by targeting sexual stamina.

At U.S. military bases in Afghanistan, the legendary Wild West lives peacefully alongside concrete slabs and combat gear.

By introducing different farming methods, the Brazilian government has succeeded in breaking the cycle of deforestation to create more pasture and has turned the Amazon’s biggest killer into its best defender.

Jordan’s King Abdullah II fears time is running out for the Israeli Palestinian peace process, and says the credibility of the United States is at stake.

Iran announced it had arrested seven suspects Sunday involved in initiating anti government protests. Iranian state media also alleged some of the suspects were hired by U.S. intelligence agencies, and worked for a U.S. funded radio station. Not details were given of the identities of the suspects or where they are being held.

Israel's Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu reiterated Israel’s desire to seek peace agreements with the Palestinians and Syria. Netanyahu made the statements at the weekly cabinet meeting on Sunday.

Security officials in the United Arab Emirates, said they are coordinating with Interpol to extradite members of the hit squad, suspected of killing Hamas commander Mahmoud al Mabhouh last month in Dubai. The officials declined to reveal the identities of the suspects.