Witnesses accuse Malian soldiers of torture and murder
In northern Mali, the country's army frequently turns to torture and murder against people suspected of backing armed Islamist groups.
Assad says confident of winning Syria war
President Bashar al-Assad said he is confident his troops will win the conflict ravaging Syria, as new calls were made on Monday for the International Criminal Court to launch a probe into war crimes.
Greater US military role in Mali likely after polls: senator
The United States is likely to play a more active military role in Mali, where French-led forces are battling Islamist rebels, after the country holds elections.
Mali election timeline 'can be changed': minister
The minister responsible for organising elections meant to haul Mali out of crisis said Friday the timeline can be changed, after interim president Dioncounda Traore raised eyebrows by promising a vote by July 31.
Japan suggests hotline to Beijing over island spat
Japan has suggested setting up a military hotline with China to avoid clashes between the two countries, which are at loggerheads over a group of disputed islands.
France bombs Islamist supply routes in Mali
French fighter jets have pounded Islamist supply bases in northern Mali seeking to flush the insurgents out of hiding, as France and the US on Monday called for African troops to quickly take over the operation.
US police probe Chris Brown fight with rapper Ocean
Los Angeles police are investigating a fight between singer Chris Brown -- still on probation for beating girlfriend Rihanna in 2009 -- and rapper Frank Ocean.
British PM reaches out to Europe at Davos
British Prime Minister David Cameron insisted he was not turning his back on Europe as he came face to face with world leaders for the first time since unveiling plans for an EU referendum.
US calls for 'unconditional' Sudan talks with rebels
The United States on Thursday called on Sudan to hold "unconditional" talks with rebels battling government forces in two strife-torn states where the UN says thousands are close to starvation.
DR Congo rebels impose new leaders and taxes: officials
Officials in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo accuse a rebel force of replacing traditional leaders and extorting heavy taxes from the people, while peace talks take place in Uganda under a ceasefire.
Clinton stands by Japan on China island row
US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton issued a veiled warning Friday to China not to challenge Japan's control of disputed islands as Tokyo's new government vowed not to aggravate tensions.
White House, Pentagon disagree over Mali: report
The White House and the US Defense Department are at odds over the danger posed by radical Islamic groups that have taken control of parts of Mali and are stirring up trouble in other parts of West Africa.
Britain, Algeria working 'closely' on hostage crisis
Britain is working "very closely at all levels" with Algeria after one of its citizens was reportedly killed and several others seized during an attack on an Algerian gas field, Foreign Secretary William Hague said Wednesday.
France faces tough, potentially long, fight in Mali
French forces intervening in Mali are facing a determined, experienced and well-armed foe and will not be able to quickly count on the backing of an organised African ground force.
Assad's removal from power 'impossible': Russia
Russia said Sunday that removing Syrian President Bashar al-Assad from power was not part of past international agreements on the crisis and was impossible to implement.
Russia calls for 'transition process' in Syria
Russia called Saturday for the launch of a political transition process in Syria, a day after peace envoy Lakhdar Brahimi met with diplomats from Moscow and Washington in a bid to resolve the nearly two-year-old conflict.
UN peace envoy to meet Russian, US officials on Syria
UN-Arab League peace envoy Lakhdar Brahimi was set to meet top US and Russian officials Friday to discuss the Syrian conflict, a day after Damascus denounced his "bias" against President Bashar al-Assad.
Syria's other struggle: balancing sharia and justice
In the heart of Syria's rebel territory, away from the blasts and bullets of the frontlines, another struggle is playing out: one for a new justice system that could shape the future face of the country should the regime fall.
Syria's Alawite area Assad's last resort: analysts
The last option for Syria's President Bashar al-Assad, who is determined not to back down after 21 months of deadly conflict, is to battle to the end from a fortified Alawite statelet, analysts believe.
Australia warns citizens against fighting in Syria
Australians who take part in the fighting in Syria face up to 20 years in jail, a spokesman for Foreign Minister Bob Carr said Friday after a Melbourne man was reportedly killed in the conflict.