Friday 11 December 2015

AP PHOTOS: Editor selections from the Middle East for 2015

In this Sunday, Aug. 23, 2015 file photo, Lebanese activists hold up a makeshift shield as they are sprayed by riot police using water cannons during a protest against the ongoing trash crisis, in downtown Beirut, Lebanon. Lebanese riot police fired several rounds of tear gas and water cannons for the second consecutive day in downtown Beirut Sunday as they battled protesters with batons and stones _ a marked escalation of mass demonstrations against an ongoing trash crisis.
In this Sunday, Aug. 23, 2015 file photo, Lebanese activists hold up a makeshift shield as they are sprayed by riot police using water cannons during a protest against the ongoing trash crisis, in downtown Beirut, Lebanon. Lebanese riot police fired several rounds of tear gas and water cannons for the second consecutive day in downtown Beirut Sunday as they battled protesters with batons and stones _ a marked escalation of mass demonstrations against an ongoing trash crisis.  

In this Tuesday, July 21, 2015 file photo, Syrian refugee Kutana al-Hamadi, 24, tends to her son Almunzir, 7 months, covered with a mosquito net, whom she claims is suffering from malnutrition, at their tent in an informal tented settlement near the Syrian border on the outskirts of Mafraq, Jordan. "My son is too weak; my body doesn’t produce milk (and) ... we can’t afford buying milk,” says Kutana al-Hamadi. “We survived the barrel bombs in Syria but I’m afraid we won’t survive the lack of health and food.”
In this Tuesday, July 21, 2015 file photo, Syrian refugee Kutana al-Hamadi, 24, tends to her son Almunzir, 7 months, covered with a mosquito net, whom she claims is suffering from malnutrition, at their tent in an informal tented settlement near the Syrian border on the outskirts of Mafraq, Jordan. "My son is too weak; my body doesn’t produce milk (and) ... we can’t afford buying milk,” says Kutana al-Hamadi. “We survived the barrel bombs in Syria but I’m afraid we won’t survive the lack of health and food.”   
In this Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2015 file photo, a Palestinian protester throws a stone during clashes with Israeli soldiers in the West Bank city of Hebron. Palestinian demonstrators clashed with Israeli troops across the West Bank as tensions remained high following days of violence at Jerusalem's most sensitive holy site, revered by Jews as the Temple Mount and by Muslims as the Noble Sanctuary.
In this Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2015 file photo, a Palestinian protester throws a stone during clashes with Israeli soldiers in the West Bank city of Hebron. Palestinian demonstrators clashed with Israeli troops across the West Bank as tensions remained high following days of violence at Jerusalem's most sensitive holy site, revered by Jews as the Temple Mount and by Muslims as the Noble Sanctuary.  
In this Thursday, March 5, 2015 file photo, youth dance at a local wedding in Salam City, a suburb on the outskirts of Cairo. Since the 2011 uprising, the music of "Mahraganat," Arabic for "festivals," has emerged from and spread through impoverished communities, where local musicians play, especially during weddings, their auto-tuned beats and songs that tackle social, political and cultural issues.
In this Thursday, March 5, 2015 file photo, youth dance at a local wedding in Salam City, a suburb on the outskirts of Cairo. Since the 2011 uprising, the music of "Mahraganat," Arabic for "festivals," has emerged from and spread through impoverished communities, where local musicians play, especially during weddings, their auto-tuned beats and songs that tackle social, political and cultural issues.  
In this Friday, April 24, 2015 file photo, an Egyptian youth carries a lit flare as supporters of the Muslim Brotherhood gather in the El-Mataria neighborhood of Cairo, Egypt, to protest the 20-year sentence for ousted president Mohammed Morsi and verdicts against other prominent figures of the Brotherhood.
In this Friday, April 24, 2015 file photo, an Egyptian youth carries a lit flare as supporters of the Muslim Brotherhood gather in the El-Mataria neighborhood of Cairo, Egypt, to protest the 20-year sentence for ousted president Mohammed Morsi and verdicts against other prominent figures of the Brotherhood.  
In this Monday, Oct. 12, 2015 file photo, a lawyer wearing his official robes kicks a tear gas canister back toward Israeli soldiers during a demonstration by scores of Palestinian lawyers called for by the Palestinian Bar Association in solidarity with protesters at the Al-Aqsa mosque compound in Jerusalem's Old City, near Ramallah, West Bank.
In this Monday, Oct. 12, 2015 file photo, a lawyer wearing his official robes kicks a tear gas canister back toward Israeli soldiers during a demonstration by scores of Palestinian lawyers called for by the Palestinian Bar Association in solidarity with protesters at the Al-Aqsa mosque compound in Jerusalem's Old City, near Ramallah, West Bank.  
In this Thursday, Jan. 15, 2015 photo, Pakistani cross-dresser Waseem Akram, 27, dances during a private party in Rawalpindi, Pakistan.
In this Thursday, Jan. 15, 2015 photo, Pakistani cross-dresser Waseem Akram, 27, dances during a private party in Rawalpindi, Pakistan.  
In this Monday, Feb. 16, 2015 file photo, a man is comforted by others as he mourns over Egyptian Coptic Christians who were captured in Libya and killed by militants affiliated with the Islamic State group, outside of the Virgin Mary church in the village of el-Aour, near Minya, 220 kilometers (135 miles) south of Cairo, Egypt. Egyptian warplanes struck Islamic State targets in Libya on Monday in swift retribution for the extremists' beheading of a group of Egyptian Christian hostages on a beach, shown in a grisly online video released hours earlier.
In this Monday, Feb. 16, 2015 file photo, a man is comforted by others as he mourns over Egyptian Coptic Christians who were captured in Libya and killed by militants affiliated with the Islamic State group, outside of the Virgin Mary church in the village of el-Aour, near Minya, 220 kilometers (135 miles) south of Cairo, Egypt. Egyptian warplanes struck Islamic State targets in Libya on Monday in swift retribution for the extremists' beheading of a group of Egyptian Christian hostages on a beach, shown in a grisly online video released hours earlier.  
In this Monday, Oct. 26, 2015 file photo, a girl injured from an earthquake admits at a local hospital in Peshawar, Pakistan. A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake in northern Afghanistan rocked cities across South Asia.
In this Monday, Oct. 26, 2015 file photo, a girl injured from an earthquake admits at a local hospital in Peshawar, Pakistan. A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake in northern Afghanistan rocked cities across South Asia.  
In this Thursday, Nov. 5, 2015 file photo, a minority Hindu women cries in a temple as she holds remains of holy book burnt in an accidental fire broke out in slums of Karachi, Pakistan. Dozens of houses were gutted in the incident.
In this Thursday, Nov. 5, 2015 file photo, a minority Hindu women cries in a temple as she holds remains of holy book burnt in an accidental fire broke out in slums of Karachi, Pakistan. Dozens of houses were gutted in the incident.   
In this Monday, Sept. 21, 2015 file photo taken with a slow shutter speed, Muslim pilgrims circle the Kaaba, the cubic building at the Grand Mosque in the Muslim holy city of Mecca, while performing Tawaf, an anti-clockwise movement around the Kaaba and one of the main rites of the Hajj, in Saudi Arabia. In Mecca, the holy site all the world’s Muslims pray toward, the annual hajj pilgrimage began Tuesday with over 2 million faithful gathering to call out in Arabic: "Here I am, God, answering your call. Here I am."
In this Monday, Sept. 21, 2015 file photo taken with a slow shutter speed, Muslim pilgrims circle the Kaaba, the cubic building at the Grand Mosque in the Muslim holy city of Mecca, while performing Tawaf, an anti-clockwise movement around the Kaaba and one of the main rites of the Hajj, in Saudi Arabia. In Mecca, the holy site all the world’s Muslims pray toward, the annual hajj pilgrimage began Tuesday with over 2 million faithful gathering to call out in Arabic: "Here I am, God, answering your call. Here I am."   
In this Monday, Nov. 23, 2015 file photo, relatives and friends hug during the funeral of 21 year old Hadar Buchris at a cemetery in Jerusalem. Buchris was killed in a stabbing attack at the Gush Etzion Junction in the West bank.
In this Monday, Nov. 23, 2015 file photo, relatives and friends hug during the funeral of 21 year old Hadar Buchris at a cemetery in Jerusalem. Buchris was killed in a stabbing attack at the Gush Etzion Junction in the West bank.  
In this Wednesday, July 15, 2015 file photo, an Afghan vendor prepares sweets to be displayed for sale for the upcoming Eid Al-Fitr celebrations, in Herat, Afghanistan.
In this Wednesday, July 15, 2015 file photo, an Afghan vendor prepares sweets to be displayed for sale for the upcoming Eid Al-Fitr celebrations, in Herat, Afghanistan.   
In this Monday, April 26, 2015 file photo, an internally displaced Pakistani girl from a tribal area attends her daily lesson at a madrassa, a school for the study of Islam, on the outskirts of Islamabad, Pakistan.
In this Monday, April 26, 2015 file photo, an internally displaced Pakistani girl from a tribal area attends her daily lesson at a madrassa, a school for the study of Islam, on the outskirts of Islamabad, Pakistan.  
In this Friday, Nov. 20, 2015 file photo, Pakistani poor children wait to receive free food for their families, distributed at local shrine in suburbs of Islamabad, Pakistan. Pakistan also observed Universal Children's Day, which is marked annually by the United Nations with other nations.
In this Friday, Nov. 20, 2015 file photo, Pakistani poor children wait to receive free food for their families, distributed at local shrine in suburbs of Islamabad, Pakistan. Pakistan also observed Universal Children's Day, which is marked annually by the United Nations with other nations.  
In this Monday, Feb. 23, 2015 file photo, Afghan refugee schoolgirls attend a class at a makeshift school on the outskirts of Islamabad, Pakistan.
In this Monday, Feb. 23, 2015 file photo, Afghan refugee schoolgirls attend a class at a makeshift school on the outskirts of Islamabad, Pakistan.  
In this Thursday. Sept. 24, 2015 file photo, Saudi security forces cordon the site where pilgrims were crushed and trampled to death during the annual hajj pilgrimage in Mina, Saudi Arabia. The crush killed hundreds of pilgrims and injured hundreds more in Mina, a large valley on the outskirts of the holy city of Mecca, the deadliest tragedy to strike the pilgrimage in more than two decades.
In this Thursday. Sept. 24, 2015 file photo, Saudi security forces cordon the site where pilgrims were crushed and trampled to death during the annual hajj pilgrimage in Mina, Saudi Arabia. The crush killed hundreds of pilgrims and injured hundreds more in Mina, a large valley on the outskirts of the holy city of Mecca, the deadliest tragedy to strike the pilgrimage in more than two decades.   
In this Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2015 file photo, a Muslim pilgrim prays on a rocky hill called the Mountain of Mercy, on the Plain of Arafat, near the holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia during the hajj pilgrimage. Mount Arafat, marked by a white pillar, is where Islam's Prophet Muhammad is believed to have delivered his last sermon to tens of thousands of followers some 1,400 years ago, calling on Muslims to unite.
In this Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2015 file photo, a Muslim pilgrim prays on a rocky hill called the Mountain of Mercy, on the Plain of Arafat, near the holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia during the hajj pilgrimage. Mount Arafat, marked by a white pillar, is where Islam's Prophet Muhammad is believed to have delivered his last sermon to tens of thousands of followers some 1,400 years ago, calling on Muslims to unite.   
In this Sunday, July 19, 2015 file photo, Pakistanis enjoy a ride at a carnival on the occasion of Eid al-Fitr holidays in Islamabad, Pakistan. The three-day holidays of Eid al-Fitr marks the end of the holy fasting month of Ramadan.
In this Sunday, July 19, 2015 file photo, Pakistanis enjoy a ride at a carnival on the occasion of Eid al-Fitr holidays in Islamabad, Pakistan. The three-day holidays of Eid al-Fitr marks the end of the holy fasting month of Ramadan.  
In this Wednesday, Sept. 29, 2015 file photo, Sahara, a rare red-haired female Hamadryas Baboon holds 3 weeks old dark-furred baby in the Ramat Gan Safari Park near Tel Aviv, Israel. It was the first time in decades that one of these light-furred primates has given birth at the zoo.
In this Wednesday, Sept. 29, 2015 file photo, Sahara, a rare red-haired female Hamadryas Baboon holds 3 weeks old dark-furred baby in the Ramat Gan Safari Park near Tel Aviv, Israel. It was the first time in decades that one of these light-furred primates has given birth at the zoo.   
In this Monday, June 15, 2015 file photo, Ibrahim Al-Jamal, 17, carries Mona, the female lion cub, as Max the male lion cub is petted by people on the beach of Gaza City, in the northern Gaza Strip. Saduldin al-Jamal had bought the cubs from the Gaza zoo, hit during last summer's Israel-Hamas war. His family would take them to parks or the beach and children — those brave enough — would come up to pet them.
In this Monday, June 15, 2015 file photo, Ibrahim Al-Jamal, 17, carries Mona, the female lion cub, as Max the male lion cub is petted by people on the beach of Gaza City, in the northern Gaza Strip. Saduldin al-Jamal had bought the cubs from the Gaza zoo, hit during last summer's Israel-Hamas war. His family would take them to parks or the beach and children — those brave enough — would come up to pet them.  
In this Friday, Aug. 7, 2015 file photo, Syrian refugee groom Ahmad Khalid, 21, and his bride Fatheya Mohammed, 21, sit in front of his family's tent during their wedding ceremony at an informal tented settlement near the Syrian border on the outskirts of Mafraq, Jordan.
In this Friday, Aug. 7, 2015 file photo, Syrian refugee groom Ahmad Khalid, 21, and his bride Fatheya Mohammed, 21, sit in front of his family's tent during their wedding ceremony at an informal tented settlement near the Syrian border on the outskirts of Mafraq, Jordan.  
In this Saturday, July 18, 2015 file photo, Iranian women pray during the Eid al-Fitr prayer in Tehran, Iran. Eid al-Fitr marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan, during which Muslims all over the world fast from sunrise to sunset.
In this Saturday, July 18, 2015 file photo, Iranian women pray during the Eid al-Fitr prayer in Tehran, Iran. Eid al-Fitr marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan, during which Muslims all over the world fast from sunrise to sunset.
Palestinian refugees play foosball in a street during the Eid al-Fitr holiday in the al-Wihdat refugee camp in Amman, Jordan, Saturday, July 18, 2015.
Palestinian refugees play foosball in a street during the Eid al-Fitr holiday in the al-Wihdat refugee camp in Amman, Jordan, Saturday, July 18, 2015.  
In this Friday, Sept. 25, 2015 file photo, Iraqis enjoy a ride at Amusement City fairgrounds during Eid al-Adha celebrations in Baghdad, Iraq. Eid al-Adha, or Feast of Sacrifice, commemorates what Muslims believe was Prophet Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his son. It is a festive holiday where it is traditional for men, women and children to dress in new clothing and spend time with their families outdoors.
In this Friday, Sept. 25, 2015 file photo, Iraqis enjoy a ride at Amusement City fairgrounds during Eid al-Adha celebrations in Baghdad, Iraq. Eid al-Adha, or Feast of Sacrifice, commemorates what Muslims believe was Prophet Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his son. It is a festive holiday where it is traditional for men, women and children to dress in new clothing and spend time with their families outdoors.  
In this Saturday, Oct. 24, 2015 file photo, Lebanese Shiite supporters of Hezbollah listen to the story of Imam Hussein, during activities marking the holy day of Ashoura, in southern Beirut, Lebanon. Ashoura is the annual Shiite Muslim commemoration marking the death of Imam Hussein, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, at the Battle of Karbala in present-day Iraq in the 7th century. Arabic writing on bandanas reads, "Oh Abu-Abdullah Hussein,"
In this Saturday, Oct. 24, 2015 file photo, Lebanese Shiite supporters of Hezbollah listen to the story of Imam Hussein, during activities marking the holy day of Ashoura, in southern Beirut, Lebanon. Ashoura is the annual Shiite Muslim commemoration marking the death of Imam Hussein, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, at the Battle of Karbala in present-day Iraq in the 7th century. Arabic writing on bandanas reads, "Oh Abu-Abdullah Hussein,"  
In this Friday, Jan. 16, 2015 file photo, Iranian skier Zahra Jabbari stands prior to her descent from a slope at the Shemshak ski resort in the Alborz mountain range 36 miles (60 kilometers) northeast of the capital Tehran, Iran.
In this Friday, Jan. 16, 2015 file photo, Iranian skier Zahra Jabbari stands prior to her descent from a slope at the Shemshak ski resort in the Alborz mountain range 36 miles (60 kilometers) northeast of the capital Tehran, Iran.  
In this Friday, Nov. 27, 2015 file photo, a Pakistani devotee prays at the shrine of Sufi Barri Imam to get her wishes fulfilled in Islamabad, Pakistan.
In this Friday, Nov. 27, 2015 file photo, a Pakistani devotee prays at the shrine of Sufi Barri Imam to get her wishes fulfilled in Islamabad, Pakistan.  
In this April 12, 2015 file photo, Sayed Ahmed Abdoh poles his boat to check his fish traps in the Nile River, near Abu al-Nasr village, about 770 kilometers (480 miles) south of Cairo, Egypt.
In this April 12, 2015 file photo, Sayed Ahmed Abdoh poles his boat to check his fish traps in the Nile River, near Abu al-Nasr village, about 770 kilometers (480 miles) south of Cairo, Egypt.  
In this Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2015 file photo, Maggie Gobran, known as "Mama Maggie", kisses the foot of a child as she places a new slipper on her foot after washing her feet at a community development center she founded, in the Manshiet Nasr neighborhood of Cairo, Egypt. “I want each child to know how much I love them. I appreciate them, I respect them,” she said. Her organization, called Stephen’s Children after Christianity’s first martyr, has started nearly 90 such centers and she estimates they have assisted more than 30,000 low-income Egyptian families.
In this Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2015 file photo, Maggie Gobran, known as "Mama Maggie", kisses the foot of a child as she places a new slipper on her foot after washing her feet at a community development center she founded, in the Manshiet Nasr neighborhood of Cairo, Egypt. “I want each child to know how much I love them. I appreciate them, I respect them,” she said. Her organization, called Stephen’s Children after Christianity’s first martyr, has started nearly 90 such centers and she estimates they have assisted more than 30,000 low-income Egyptian families.  
In this Friday, Sept. 11, 2015 file photo, a U.S. Navy sailor carries a trumpet before a Sept. 11 remembrance ceremony on board the USS Theodore Roosevelt aircraft carrier deployed in the Persian Gulf in support of Operation Inherent Resolve, the military operation against Islamic State extremists in Syria and Iraq.
In this Friday, Sept. 11, 2015 file photo, a U.S. Navy sailor carries a trumpet before a Sept. 11 remembrance ceremony on board the USS Theodore Roosevelt aircraft carrier deployed in the Persian Gulf in support of Operation Inherent Resolve, the military operation against Islamic State extremists in Syria and Iraq.   
In this Friday, July 17, 2015 file photo, Palestinians Sajeda Areir, 8, left, her sister Farah,7, center, and their brother Mohammed pose for a photograph as they dressed up to celebrate the first day of Eid al-Fitr in the Shijaiyeh neighborhood of Gaza City.
In this Friday, July 17, 2015 file photo, Palestinians Sajeda Areir, 8, left, her sister Farah,7, center, and their brother Mohammed pose for a photograph as they dressed up to celebrate the first day of Eid al-Fitr in the Shijaiyeh neighborhood of Gaza City.  
In this Wednesday, June 24, 2015 file photo, Iranian worshipers recite verses of the Quran, Islam's holy book, during the Muslim holy fasting month of Ramadan, at the shrine of Saint Mohammad Helal Ibn Ali, in the city of Aran and Bidgol, some 140 miles (225 kilometers) south of the capital Tehran, Iran. Muslims throughout the world are marking Ramadan - a month of fasting during which the observants abstain from food, drink and other pleasures from sunrise to sunset.
In this Wednesday, June 24, 2015 file photo, Iranian worshipers recite verses of the Quran, Islam's holy book, during the Muslim holy fasting month of Ramadan, at the shrine of Saint Mohammad Helal Ibn Ali, in the city of Aran and Bidgol, some 140 miles (225 kilometers) south of the capital Tehran, Iran. Muslims throughout the world are marking Ramadan - a month of fasting during which the observants abstain from food, drink and other pleasures from sunrise to sunset. 
In this Saturday, July 18, 2015 file photo, Pakistanis watch two performers demonstrate their motorcycle skills inside the "well of death" at a fair set up for the occasion of the Eid al-Fitr holiday in Rawalpindi, Pakistan.
In this Saturday, July 18, 2015 file photo, Pakistanis watch two performers demonstrate their motorcycle skills inside the "well of death" at a fair set up for the occasion of the Eid al-Fitr holiday in Rawalpindi, Pakistan.  
In this Friday, April 10, 2015 file photo, a young boy dances as adherents of the Qadiriyah Sufi order gather at the tomb of Sheikh Hamed Al Nil, a 19th century Sufi leader at his tomb in Omdurman, Sudan.
In this Friday, April 10, 2015 file photo, a young boy dances as adherents of the Qadiriyah Sufi order gather at the tomb of Sheikh Hamed Al Nil, a 19th century Sufi leader at his tomb in Omdurman, Sudan.  
In this Monday, July 13, 2015 file photo, Egyptian Muslims gather for iftar at the end of the fasting day during the holy month of Ramadan outside Hussein mosque in Cairo, Egypt.
In this Monday, July 13, 2015 file photo, Egyptian Muslims gather for iftar at the end of the fasting day during the holy month of Ramadan outside Hussein mosque in Cairo, Egypt.   
In this Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2015 file photo, Asmaa Ahmed Abdel Hakeem, an independent candidate, waves from a vehicle as she campaigns in her neighborhood in Giza, Egypt ahead of Egyptian parliamentary elections. The 40 year-old woman is a manager of a family-owned school. It's her first time to run in elections, and says her family has been supportive of the move.
In this Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2015 file photo, Asmaa Ahmed Abdel Hakeem, an independent candidate, waves from a vehicle as she campaigns in her neighborhood in Giza, Egypt ahead of Egyptian parliamentary elections. The 40 year-old woman is a manager of a family-owned school. It's her first time to run in elections, and says her family has been supportive of the move.   
In this Thursday, Feb. 26, 2015 file photo, Afghan villagers gather to pray for victims of an avalanche, in the Khanj district of Panjshir province, north of Kabul, Afghanistan.
In this Thursday, Feb. 26, 2015 file photo, Afghan villagers gather to pray for victims of an avalanche, in the Khanj district of Panjshir province, north of Kabul, Afghanistan.  
In this Wednesday, Feb. 27, 2015 file photo, an elderly Egyptian woman is rescued from an apartment balcony during a building fire as neighbors and firefighters use an improvised slide to evacuate her to the roof of an adjacent building in downtown Cairo. An electrical fire raged in a residential building in the Ramsis neighborhood of Cairo injuring at least three people.
In this Wednesday, Feb. 27, 2015 file photo, an elderly Egyptian woman is rescued from an apartment balcony during a building fire as neighbors and firefighters use an improvised slide to evacuate her to the roof of an adjacent building in downtown Cairo. An electrical fire raged in a residential building in the Ramsis neighborhood of Cairo injuring at least three people.  
In this Sunday, Nov. 1, 2015 file photo, debris of a Russian airplane is seen at the site a day after the passenger jet bound for St. Petersburg, Russia, crashed in Hassana, Egypt. The Metrojet plane, bound for St. Petersburg in Russia, crashed 23 minutes after it took off from Egypt's Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh on Saturday morning. The 224 people on board, all Russian except for four Ukrainians and one Belarusian, died.
In this Sunday, Nov. 1, 2015 file photo, debris of a Russian airplane is seen at the site a day after the passenger jet bound for St. Petersburg, Russia, crashed in Hassana, Egypt. The Metrojet plane, bound for St. Petersburg in Russia, crashed 23 minutes after it took off from Egypt's Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh on Saturday morning. The 224 people on board, all Russian except for four Ukrainians and one Belarusian, died.   
In this Friday, March 13, 2015 file photo, a transport boat sails in the Nile River past a promotional banner that reads "Investment is the key to Egypt's welfare" hanging from the former National Democratic Party (NDP) headquarters, which were torched during the 2011 uprising that ousted President Hosni Mubarak, in Cairo, Egypt. Egypt launched on Friday a major economic conference to attract foreign investors. The government says new investment is crucial to rescue an economy gutted buy four years of turmoil since Egypt’s 2011 uprising.
In this Friday, March 13, 2015 file photo, a transport boat sails in the Nile River past a promotional banner that reads "Investment is the key to Egypt's welfare" hanging from the former National Democratic Party (NDP) headquarters, which were torched during the 2011 uprising that ousted President Hosni Mubarak, in Cairo, Egypt. Egypt launched on Friday a major economic conference to attract foreign investors. The government says new investment is crucial to rescue an economy gutted buy four years of turmoil since Egypt’s 2011 uprising.  
In this Monday, Oct. 5, 2015 file photo, a thick blanket of early morning fog partially shrouds the skyscrapers of the Marina and Jumeirah Lake Towers districts of Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Dubai’s rapid transformation from a desert outpost into one of the world’s most architecturally stunning cities is mapped out in the Marina. Where just 15 years ago there was empty, flat land, today a bustling neighborhood thrives centered around a canal and an impressive skyline that pierces through the clouds.
In this Monday, Oct. 5, 2015 file photo, a thick blanket of early morning fog partially shrouds the skyscrapers of the Marina and Jumeirah Lake Towers districts of Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Dubai’s rapid transformation from a desert outpost into one of the world’s most architecturally stunning cities is mapped out in the Marina. Where just 15 years ago there was empty, flat land, today a bustling neighborhood thrives centered around a canal and an impressive skyline that pierces through the clouds.   
In this Sunday, Nov. 8, 2015 file photo, fog forms beneath the Gorny Convent of the Russian Orthodox Church in Ein Kerem, an ancient village near Jerusalem.
In this Sunday, Nov. 8, 2015 file photo, fog forms beneath the Gorny Convent of the Russian Orthodox Church in Ein Kerem, an ancient village near Jerusalem.  
In this Thursday, Oct. 8, 2015 file photo, a Palestinian man walks in the Old City in Jerusalem.
In this Thursday, Oct. 8, 2015 file photo, a Palestinian man walks in the Old City in Jerusalem.  
In this Tuesday, Nov. 24, 2015 file photo, a Palestinian protester uses a sling burning tire during clashes with Israeli troops in the West Bank city of Ramallah.
In this Tuesday, Nov. 24, 2015 file photo, a Palestinian protester uses a sling burning tire during clashes with Israeli troops in the West Bank city of Ramallah.  
In this Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2015 file photo, Palestinian Hureyah Masalmeh, 41, the mother of slain of Udai Masalmeh, 24, mourns during her son's funeral at the family house in the West Bank village of Beit Awa, Hebron. The 24 year old Palestinian was fatally shot near the village of Beit Awa after lightly injuring an Israeli army officer with a knife, according to a statement from the military.
In this Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2015 file photo, Palestinian Hureyah Masalmeh, 41, the mother of slain of Udai Masalmeh, 24, mourns during her son's funeral at the family house in the West Bank village of Beit Awa, Hebron. The 24 year old Palestinian was fatally shot near the village of Beit Awa after lightly injuring an Israeli army officer with a knife, according to a statement from the military.  
In this Monday, March 23, 2015 file photo, a Jewish boy attends the funeral of seven Jewish siblings killed in a New York house fire, in Jerusalem. The bodies of the children, ages 5 to 16, were flown to Israel overnight from New York and were immediately taken to Jerusalem in a convoy escorted by police. According to Jewish tradition, funerals take place as soon as possible after death.
In this Monday, March 23, 2015 file photo, a Jewish boy attends the funeral of seven Jewish siblings killed in a New York house fire, in Jerusalem. The bodies of the children, ages 5 to 16, were flown to Israel overnight from New York and were immediately taken to Jerusalem in a convoy escorted by police. According to Jewish tradition, funerals take place as soon as possible after death.  
In this Friday, April 10, 2015 file photo, mourners carry the body of Ziyad Awad during his funeral in Beit Ummar, West Bank. Awad was killed in clashes with Israeli soldiers, following the funeral of his cousin who died three months after being released from an Israeli jail.
In this Friday, April 10, 2015 file photo, mourners carry the body of Ziyad Awad during his funeral in Beit Ummar, West Bank. Awad was killed in clashes with Israeli soldiers, following the funeral of his cousin who died three months after being released from an Israeli jail.  
In this Saturday, Oct. 10, 2015 file photo, Israeli police stand near the body of a Palestinian who, according to the police, stabbed two police officers, then other police forces opened fire and killed him, but also wounded one of their own, at the Damascus Gate of Jerusalem's Old City.
In this Saturday, Oct. 10, 2015 file photo, Israeli police stand near the body of a Palestinian who, according to the police, stabbed two police officers, then other police forces opened fire and killed him, but also wounded one of their own, at the Damascus Gate of Jerusalem's Old City.   
In this Sunday, April 26, 2015 file photo, men on a motorbike rush a man who was injured during a crossfire between tribal fighters and Shiite militia known as Houthis, to a hospital, in Taiz, Yemen. The fighting in Taiz between government forces and rebels was heaviest around government and security buildings in the city center, killing some 20 civilians and wounding dozens more, they said, adding that indiscriminately fired mortar rounds hit several private residences and landed near a hospital at one point.
In this Sunday, April 26, 2015 file photo, men on a motorbike rush a man who was injured during a crossfire between tribal fighters and Shiite militia known as Houthis, to a hospital, in Taiz, Yemen. The fighting in Taiz between government forces and rebels was heaviest around government and security buildings in the city center, killing some 20 civilians and wounding dozens more, they said, adding that indiscriminately fired mortar rounds hit several private residences and landed near a hospital at one point.   
In this Thursday, Sept. 17, 2015 file photo, an Emirati gunner watches for enemy fire from the rear gate of a United Arab Emirates Chinook military helicopter flying over Yemen. In Yemen’s Marib province, a key battleground in the fighting against Shiite rebels, frustration is growing in the ranks of troops backing the country’s president-in-exile after more than a week without gains on the ground.
In this Thursday, Sept. 17, 2015 file photo, an Emirati gunner watches for enemy fire from the rear gate of a United Arab Emirates Chinook military helicopter flying over Yemen. In Yemen’s Marib province, a key battleground in the fighting against Shiite rebels, frustration is growing in the ranks of troops backing the country’s president-in-exile after more than a week without gains on the ground.   
In this Friday, July 31, 2015 file photo, a Palestinian man mourns alongside the body of a one-and-a-half year old boy, Ali Dawabsheh, during his funeral in Duma village near the West Bank city of Nablus. The sleeping toddler was burned to death when suspected Jewish assailants set fire to two Palestinian homes, an attack that also critically wounded the child's 4-year-old brother and parents and outraged both Israelis and Palestinians.
In this Friday, July 31, 2015 file photo, a Palestinian man mourns alongside the body of a one-and-a-half year old boy, Ali Dawabsheh, during his funeral in Duma village near the West Bank city of Nablus. The sleeping toddler was burned to death when suspected Jewish assailants set fire to two Palestinian homes, an attack that also critically wounded the child's 4-year-old brother and parents and outraged both Israelis and Palestinians.  
In this Friday, June 19, 2015 file photo, Palestinian women walk past an Israeli border police officer on their way to pray at the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem, on the first Friday of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, at the Qalandia checkpoint between the West Bank city of Ramallah and Jerusalem.
In this Friday, June 19, 2015 file photo, Palestinian women walk past an Israeli border police officer on their way to pray at the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem, on the first Friday of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, at the Qalandia checkpoint between the West Bank city of Ramallah and Jerusalem.  
In this Friday, Oct. 9, 2015 file photo, Palestinians take cover during clashes with Israeli troops near Ramallah, West Bank.
In this Friday, Oct. 9, 2015 file photo, Palestinians take cover during clashes with Israeli troops near Ramallah, West Bank.  
In this Wednesday, July 29, 2015 file photo, Israeli settlers watch the demolition of a building at the Jewish settlement of Beit El, near the West Bank town of Ramallah. Israeli bulldozers began demolishing a contested housing complex in a West Bank settlement as the prime minister’s office announced the “immediate construction” of some 300 new units at another location in the same settlement and advanced plans for about 500 new units in east Jerusalem.
In this Wednesday, July 29, 2015 file photo, Israeli settlers watch the demolition of a building at the Jewish settlement of Beit El, near the West Bank town of Ramallah. Israeli bulldozers began demolishing a contested housing complex in a West Bank settlement as the prime minister’s office announced the “immediate construction” of some 300 new units at another location in the same settlement and advanced plans for about 500 new units in east Jerusalem.  
In this Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2015 file photo, Israeli soldiers arrest a man while others treat Palestinians wounded during clashes with the Israeli military, near Ramallah, West Bank.
In this Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2015 file photo, Israeli soldiers arrest a man while others treat Palestinians wounded during clashes with the Israeli military, near Ramallah, West Bank.  
In this Thursday, July 30, 2015 file photo, an ultra-Orthodox Jew attacks people with a knife during a Gay Pride parade in central Jerusalem. Israeli police said several people were stabbed.
In this Thursday, July 30, 2015 file photo, an ultra-Orthodox Jew attacks people with a knife during a Gay Pride parade in central Jerusalem. Israeli police said several people were stabbed.  
In this Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2015 file photo, a truck driven by a Palestinian man runs over an Israeli man as a stick he was wielding is thrown into the air at Fawar junction near the West Bank city of Hebron. The Israeli, who later died, had gotten out of his car after Palestinian demonstrators threw stones at it and began to hit passing Palestinian cars with the stick.
In this Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2015 file photo, a truck driven by a Palestinian man runs over an Israeli man as a stick he was wielding is thrown into the air at Fawar junction near the West Bank city of Hebron. The Israeli, who later died, had gotten out of his car after Palestinian demonstrators threw stones at it and began to hit passing Palestinian cars with the stick. 
In this Thursday, March 26, 2015 file photo, people carry the body of a child they uncovered from under the rubble of houses destroyed by Saudi airstrikes near Sanaa Airport, Yemen. Saudi Arabia launched airstrikes Thursday targeting military installations in Yemen held by Shiite rebels who were taking over a key port city in the country's south and had driven the embattled president to flee by sea, security officials said.
In this Thursday, March 26, 2015 file photo, people carry the body of a child they uncovered from under the rubble of houses destroyed by Saudi airstrikes near Sanaa Airport, Yemen. Saudi Arabia launched airstrikes Thursday targeting military installations in Yemen held by Shiite rebels who were taking over a key port city in the country's south and had driven the embattled president to flee by sea, security officials said.  
In this Tuesday, May 19, 2015 file photo, Abo Bakr Mohammed, 12, who suffers from epilepsy, covers himself with a mosquito net in his family's room, at an orphanage that has been turned into a center for Yemeni refugees, in Obock, northern Djibouti.
In this Tuesday, May 19, 2015 file photo, Abo Bakr Mohammed, 12, who suffers from epilepsy, covers himself with a mosquito net in his family's room, at an orphanage that has been turned into a center for Yemeni refugees, in Obock, northern Djibouti.   
In this Monday, Nov. 23, 2015 file photo, Yemeni students perform in a sketch in front of the U.N. building during a protest demanding the Saudi-led coalition stop targeting schools in Sanaa, Yemen.
In this Monday, Nov. 23, 2015 file photo, Yemeni students perform in a sketch in front of the U.N. building during a protest demanding the Saudi-led coalition stop targeting schools in Sanaa, Yemen.  
In this Sunday, May 10, 2015 file photo, Smoke rises from a house of former Yemeni president Ali Abdullah Saleh after a Saudi-led airstrike in Sanaa, Yemen.
In this Sunday, May 10, 2015 file photo, Smoke rises from a house of former Yemeni president Ali Abdullah Saleh after a Saudi-led airstrike in Sanaa, Yemen.  
In this Saturday, Oct. 3, 2015 photo, members of the Libyan Red Crescent wash their hands at the shore after they put bodies in the bags as they were found washed up in the eastern shore of Tripoli, Libya. A spokesman for the Red Crescent said the bodies of at least 95 migrants have been found washed ashore over the past five days.
In this Saturday, Oct. 3, 2015 photo, members of the Libyan Red Crescent wash their hands at the shore after they put bodies in the bags as they were found washed up in the eastern shore of Tripoli, Libya. A spokesman for the Red Crescent said the bodies of at least 95 migrants have been found washed ashore over the past five days.  
In this Monday, April 13, 2015 file photo, a Sudanese woman fills her ballot before voting at a polling station, on the first day of Sudan's presidential and legislative elections, in Izba, an impoverished neighborhood on the outskirts of Khartoum, Sudan.
In this Monday, April 13, 2015 file photo, a Sudanese woman fills her ballot before voting at a polling station, on the first day of Sudan's presidential and legislative elections, in Izba, an impoverished neighborhood on the outskirts of Khartoum, Sudan.  
In this Monday, Nov. 23, 2015 file photo, an Egyptian woman waits for an election worker to check her identification card inside a polling center during the second phase of the parliamentary election, in the Maadi district of Cairo, Egypt. Arabic on wall of school reads "give me more knowledge."
In this Monday, Nov. 23, 2015 file photo, an Egyptian woman waits for an election worker to check her identification card inside a polling center during the second phase of the parliamentary election, in the Maadi district of Cairo, Egypt. Arabic on wall of school reads "give me more knowledge."  
In this Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2015 file photo, Bahraini women tend to a young man overcome by tear gas during clashes with riot police in the western village of Karzakan, Bahrain. Clashes erupted after police began removing street decorations for the Shiite religious occasion of Ashura, a 10-day mourning period for an early Shiite saint.
In this Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2015 file photo, Bahraini women tend to a young man overcome by tear gas during clashes with riot police in the western village of Karzakan, Bahrain. Clashes erupted after police began removing street decorations for the Shiite religious occasion of Ashura, a 10-day mourning period for an early Shiite saint.   
In this Saturday, Aug. 29, 2015 file photo, Marwa Fahmy wife of Canadian Al-Jazeera English journalist Mohammed Fahmy, bursts into tears, as she is watched by human rights lawyer Amal Clooney, after the verdict in a courtroom in Tora prison in Cairo, Egypt. The court sentenced three Al-Jazeera English journalists to three years in prison, the last twist in a long-running trial criticized worldwide by press freedom advocates and human rights activists.
In this Saturday, Aug. 29, 2015 file photo, Marwa Fahmy wife of Canadian Al-Jazeera English journalist Mohammed Fahmy, bursts into tears, as she is watched by human rights lawyer Amal Clooney, after the verdict in a courtroom in Tora prison in Cairo, Egypt. The court sentenced three Al-Jazeera English journalists to three years in prison, the last twist in a long-running trial criticized worldwide by press freedom advocates and human rights activists.  
In this Tuesday, March 31, 2015 file photo, an injured Iraqi officer waits for treatment on the front line during clashes with Islamic State extremists in Tikrit, 80 miles (130 kilometers) north of Baghdad, Iraq. Iraqi forces battled Islamic State militants holed up in downtown Tikrit, going house to house in search of snipers and booby traps, and the prime minister said security forces had reached the heart of the city.
In this Tuesday, March 31, 2015 file photo, an injured Iraqi officer waits for treatment on the front line during clashes with Islamic State extremists in Tikrit, 80 miles (130 kilometers) north of Baghdad, Iraq. Iraqi forces battled Islamic State militants holed up in downtown Tikrit, going house to house in search of snipers and booby traps, and the prime minister said security forces had reached the heart of the city.  
In this Thursday, Nov. 12, 2015 file photo, a Kurdish peshmerga fighter pauses during an operation to retake the northern Iraqi town of Sinjar. Kurdish Iraqi fighters, backed by the U.S.-led air campaign, launched an assault Thursday aiming to retake the strategic town of Sinjar, which the Islamic State overran last year in an onslaught that caused the flight of tens of thousands of Yazidis and first prompted the U.S. to launch airstrikes against the militants.
In this Thursday, Nov. 12, 2015 file photo, a Kurdish peshmerga fighter pauses during an operation to retake the northern Iraqi town of Sinjar. Kurdish Iraqi fighters, backed by the U.S.-led air campaign, launched an assault Thursday aiming to retake the strategic town of Sinjar, which the Islamic State overran last year in an onslaught that caused the flight of tens of thousands of Yazidis and first prompted the U.S. to launch airstrikes against the militants.  
In this Monday, March 30, 2015 file photo, Iraqi security forces launch a rocket against Islamic State extremist positions during clashes in Tikrit, 130 kilometers (80 miles) north of Baghdad, Iraq.
In this Monday, March 30, 2015 file photo, Iraqi security forces launch a rocket against Islamic State extremist positions during clashes in Tikrit, 130 kilometers (80 miles) north of Baghdad, Iraq.  
In this Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2015 file photo, Pakistani female police commandos attend a training session in Nowshera, near Peshawar Pakistan. Authorities formed a Special Combat Unit after Taliban militants stormed a Peshawar school on Dec. 16, 2014 and massacred 150 children and teachers.
In this Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2015 file photo, Pakistani female police commandos attend a training session in Nowshera, near Peshawar Pakistan. Authorities formed a Special Combat Unit after Taliban militants stormed a Peshawar school on Dec. 16, 2014 and massacred 150 children and teachers.   
In this Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2015 file photo, 36 year-old Palestinian mother Abeer, right, sits near her daughter, 19-month-old Anwar Saad, at their family home in Gaza City. For the Saads, the summer’s war in Gaza, the third between Israel and Hamas, came into their home on July 18, 2014 when they say an Israeli tank shell crashed through the wall of their house in Gaza’s crowded Shijaiyeh neighborhood. Shrapnel wounded all of the Saad family. Anwar’s mother spends much of her time caring for her daughter. The infant only stops crying when she is in her rocking bed. Before the war, Anwar was playful and alert, the mother said. Not any longer.
In this Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2015 file photo, 36 year-old Palestinian mother Abeer, right, sits near her daughter, 19-month-old Anwar Saad, at their family home in Gaza City. For the Saads, the summer’s war in Gaza, the third between Israel and Hamas, came into their home on July 18, 2014 when they say an Israeli tank shell crashed through the wall of their house in Gaza’s crowded Shijaiyeh neighborhood. Shrapnel wounded all of the Saad family. Anwar’s mother spends much of her time caring for her daughter. The infant only stops crying when she is in her rocking bed. Before the war, Anwar was playful and alert, the mother said. Not any longer.     
In this Sunday, March 22, 2015 file photo, Afghan women rights activists carry the coffin of 27-year-old Farkhunda, an Afghan woman who was beaten to death by a mob, during her funeral, in Kabul, Afghanistan. Hundreds of people gathered in northern Kabul for the funeral of Farkhunda, who like many Afghans is known by only one name. She was killed late Thursday by a mob of mostly men who beat her, set her body on fire and then threw it into the Kabul River, according to police accounts. Police are still investigating what prompted the mob assault.
In this Sunday, March 22, 2015 file photo, Afghan women rights activists carry the coffin of 27-year-old Farkhunda, an Afghan woman who was beaten to death by a mob, during her funeral, in Kabul, Afghanistan. Hundreds of people gathered in northern Kabul for the funeral of Farkhunda, who like many Afghans is known by only one name. She was killed late Thursday by a mob of mostly men who beat her, set her body on fire and then threw it into the Kabul River, according to police accounts. Police are still investigating what prompted the mob assault.            
In this Thursday, Aug. 27, 2015 file photo, the body of a drowned migrant is lies on a dock in Zuwara, Libya. It was not clear how many migrants had drowned. Dozens of boats are launched from lawless Libya each week, with Italy and Greece bearing the brunt of the surge.
In this Thursday, Aug. 27, 2015 file photo, the body of a drowned migrant is lies on a dock in Zuwara, Libya. It was not clear how many migrants had drowned. Dozens of boats are launched from lawless Libya each week, with Italy and Greece bearing the brunt of the surge.   
In this Friday, Oct. 23, 2015 file aerial photo, Shiite faithful pilgrims gather between, the holy shrine of Imam Hussein, bottom, and the holy shrine of Imam Abbas, top, during preparations for the Muslim holiday of Ashoura in the Shiite holy city of Karbala, 50 miles (80 kilometers) south of Baghdad, Iraq.
In this Friday, Oct. 23, 2015 file aerial photo, Shiite faithful pilgrims gather between, the holy shrine of Imam Hussein, bottom, and the holy shrine of Imam Abbas, top, during preparations for the Muslim holiday of Ashoura in the Shiite holy city of Karbala, 50 miles (80 kilometers) south of Baghdad, Iraq.  
In this Thursday, Oct. 8, 2015 file photo, Lebanese anti-government protesters kiss during a protest against the ongoing trash crisis and government corruption, in downtown Beirut, Lebanon. Lebanese security forces used water cannons and eventually fired tear gas canisters to disperse dozens of anti-government protesters who tried to get past security barricades and reach parliament.
In this Thursday, Oct. 8, 2015 file photo, Lebanese anti-government protesters kiss during a protest against the ongoing trash crisis and government corruption, in downtown Beirut, Lebanon. Lebanese security forces used water cannons and eventually fired tear gas canisters to disperse dozens of anti-government protesters who tried to get past security barricades and reach parliament.  
In this Monday, Dec. 7, 2015 photo, a veterinary technician feeds a horse at the Koret School of Veterinary Medicine in Rishon Lezion, Israel. Veterinarians in the hospital of the School of Veterinary Medicine operate on about two dozen horses a month, and must use elaborate tools and close attention to safely sedate, treat and revive the animals that can weigh more than 1,000 pounds.
In this Monday, Dec. 7, 2015 photo, a veterinary technician feeds a horse at the Koret School of Veterinary Medicine in Rishon Lezion, Israel. Veterinarians in the hospital of the School of Veterinary Medicine operate on about two dozen horses a month, and must use elaborate tools and close attention to safely sedate, treat and revive the animals that can weigh more than 1,000 pounds.  
In this Sunday, Nov. 15, 2015 file photo, two Ultra-Orthodox Jews look at Jerusalem's Old City walls illuminated by the colors of the French national flag in solidarity with France after attacks in Paris, in Jerusalem.
In this Sunday, Nov. 15, 2015 file photo, two Ultra-Orthodox Jews look at Jerusalem's Old City walls illuminated by the colors of the French national flag in solidarity with France after attacks in Paris, in Jerusalem.  
In this Thursday, Oct. 29, 2015 file photo, a Lebanese activist lights candles on the ground during a protest against the ongoing trash crisis and government corruption, in Beirut, Lebanon.
In this Thursday, Oct. 29, 2015 file photo, a Lebanese activist lights candles on the ground during a protest against the ongoing trash crisis and government corruption, in Beirut, Lebanon.   
In this Thursday, April 23, 2015 photo, whirling dervishes from the Al-Tannoura Egyptian Heritage Dance Troupe during a performance at the El Sawy cultural center in Cairo, Egypt. Religious devotion is at the heart of almost everything. The spinning of the dervishes is partially meant to symbolize the way Muslim pilgrims performing the Hajj pilgrimage ritually circle the cube-shaped Kabaa in Mecca, Saudi Arabia.
In this Thursday, April 23, 2015 photo, whirling dervishes from the Al-Tannoura Egyptian Heritage Dance Troupe during a performance at the El Sawy cultural center in Cairo, Egypt. Religious devotion is at the heart of almost everything. The spinning of the dervishes is partially meant to symbolize the way Muslim pilgrims performing the Hajj pilgrimage ritually circle the cube-shaped Kabaa in Mecca, Saudi Arabia.   
In this Thursday, Jan. 15, 2015 photo, Pakistani cross-dresser Waseem Akram, 27, dances during a private party in Rawalpindi, Pakistan.
In this Thursday, Jan. 15, 2015 photo, Pakistani cross-dresser Waseem Akram, 27, dances during a private party in Rawalpindi, Pakistan.   
In this Friday, Jan. 16, 2015 file photo, Iranian skier Zahra Jabbari stands prior to her descent from a slope at the Shemshak ski resort in the Alborz mountain range 36 miles (60 kilometers) northeast of the capital Tehran, Iran.
In this Friday, Jan. 16, 2015 file photo, Iranian skier Zahra Jabbari stands prior to her descent from a slope at the Shemshak ski resort in the Alborz mountain range 36 miles (60 kilometers) northeast of the capital Tehran, Iran.