Australia fears domestic extremism from Syria conflict
The conflict in Syria poses new risks of homegrown extremism in Australia, with citizens returning radicalised after fighting there.
US ship heads out to destroy Syrian chemical weapons
A specially-equipped US naval ship departed for Italy on Monday on a ground-breaking mission to destroy Syria's most dangerous chemical agents.
Hollande heads to crisis-hit Turkey after split from first lady
French President Francois Hollande heads to Turkey on Monday on his first trip abroad since his dramatic announcement that he had split from his longstanding partner Valerie Trierweiler.
Violence rages on Damascus outskirts: monitor
Syrian rebels and government troops clashed Sunday in restive districts of Damascus, a monitoring group said, as representatives of the warring sides met for peace talks in Geneva.
UN's Ban hails 'historic milestone' in Tunisia
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon welcomed Tunisia's adoption of a new constitution on Sunday, declaring it a "historic milestone" and a model for other countries seeking reform.
US forces launch missile strike against Shebab leader in Somalia
The US military launched a missile strike in Somalia on Sunday targeting a suspected Shebab militant leader.
Sorcery, spirits and sacrifice at Morocco Sufi festival
Sorcery, plate-smashing and animal sacrifice are not often associated with Sufi festivals, but they all feature at a popular annual pilgrimage to a Moroccan shrine linked to the "queen of the genies".
Ivory Coast elephants get new home as habitat shrinks
As the spooked elephant starts to run, the vet pulls the trigger. Just a few minutes later the huge beast slumps to the floor unconscious, ready for Ivory Coast's first elephant relocation.
Nigeria to hold presidential vote on February 14, 2015
Nigeria is to hold its next presidential election on February 14, 2015, the electoral agency said Friday, with incumbent head of state Goodluck Jonathan expected to seek a second term.
Car bomb kills three at Cairo police HQ: state media
A car bomb struck Cairo police headquarters on Friday, killing at least three people in an early morning blast heard across the Egyptian capital.
South Africa braces for mass platinum strike
Tens of thousands of workers at the world's three top platinum producers were set to down tools Thursday in a pay strike that could have a devastating impact in Africa's largest economy.
No hint of compromise as Syria peace talks enter day two
Syria's peace conference moved into a second day Thursday with the warring sides showing no willingness to compromise as global powers seek to engineer head-to-head talks on ending the bloodshed.
Assad's future a 'red line' for peace talks: Syria FM
The future role of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad is a "red line" for the government delegation in peace talks, the foreign minister said Tuesday on the eve of their opening.
Embattled Turkey PM faces tough visit to EU
Turkey's embattled Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan sought Monday to downplay the risk of a crisis with the European Union as he headed to Brussels facing a row over controversial judical reforms.
Pakistan police arrest three with 100kg of explosives
Pakistani police have arrested three men and seized 100 kilograms of explosives in a raid in the capital Islamabad, officers said Tuesday, following two deadly Taliban attacks on military targets.
Guinea president decrees new government
Guinea's President Alpha Conde late Monday issued a decree forming a new government keeping in place his prime minister and over half the cabinet members, but excluding any opposition figures.
Five injured as UN vehicle in Mali hits landmine
Five members of the UN mission in Mali were injured Monday when their vehicle ran over a landmine planted in the northeastern rebel bastion of Kidal.
Lifestyle disorders top health issues in Arab world
Heart disease and stroke have replaced infectious disease as the top causes of early death in the Arab world, tracking the West in a trend towards lifestyle disorders.
Ethiopia's Timkat draws crowds to ancient royal baths
The sun has not yet come up, but hundreds of people -- cloaked in white shrouds and chanting biblical hymns -- are already gathered at the holy baths in northern Ethiopia to celebrate Timkat.
Iran to halt 20% enriched uranium by noon Monday: official
Iran's nuclear chief Ali Akbar Salehi said the Islamic republic would halt production of 20 percent enriched uranium by noon (0830 GMT) on Monday.
