WASHINGTON (AFP) After months vowing to get US troops home from Iraq, Barack Obama has succumbed to the wars political entanglements, struggling to explain his plan in the light of recent security gains.

BAGHDAD (AFP) War-torn Iraq is emerging as a key conduit in the global drugs trade as criminal gangs exploit its porous border with Iran to channel their illicit goods to the Middle East, Africa and Europe.

AMMAN (AFP) Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas does not plan to meet with rival leaders of Hamas or other Palestinian factions based in Damascus when he visits Syria on Sunday, his spokesman said.

CAIRO (AFP) Archaeologists have uncovered ancient wooden coffins in what appears to be a royal burial ground near the necropolis of Abydos in southern Egypt, the state-run MENA news agency reported on Saturday.

TEHRAN (AFP) Iran on Saturday offered to negotiate on its nuclear drive but without a freeze on uranium enrichment, in its first comments since responding to an international package aimed at ending the standoff.

SANAA (AFP) At least five people were killed on Saturday in an explosion in central Saada, a town in northwest Yemen at the focus of a Shiite revolt, a witness said

BAGHDAD (AFP) In a sign of returning normalcy, the public swimming pool of the Iraqi capitals Zawra park reopened on Saturday with men and children plunging in the water as gun-toting US soldiers stood guard.

RIYADH (AFP) King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia, whose country is home to Islams holiest shrines, will launch an inter-faith conference in Spain later this month, the palace said Saturday.

BEIRUT (AFP) Prime Minister Fuad Siniora said on Saturday he was confident that a national unity government for Lebanon would be announced soon, but dismissed reports that it was imminent.

TEHRAN (AFP) Irans military chiefs warned on Saturday that the Islamic republic would shut down the Strait of Hormuz vital for oil exports and use "blitzkrieg tactics" in the Gulf if it came under attack.