Syria, Moscow condemn US aid to rebels
Syria and ally Russia denounced a US pledge to provide direct non-lethal aid to rebel fighters, saying it will fuel more violence in the two-year conflict.
Al-Qaeda's top leader in Mali killed in fighting
Al-Qaeda's top commander in Mali has been killed, Chadian President Idriss Deby Itno said Friday, in what would be one of the most significant blows to the rebels in the seven-week French-led intervention against Islamist insurgents.
US pledges first direct aid to Syria rebel fighters
The United States has announced it will provide direct aid to Syrian rebels, but not the arms they had hoped for, as well as $60 million in extra assistance to the political opposition.
Israel calls for calm as militants vow revenge
Israel has called on the Palestinian Authority to rein in unrest as militants vowed revenge over the death of a prisoner whom the Palestinians allege died under Israeli torture.
Regional leaders sign peace deal for eastern DR Congo
Regional African leaders signed a deal to try to bring peace to the war-torn east of the Democratic Republic of Congo, with plans to reinforce a UN-led mission to combat rebels after years of unrest.
Syria army using missiles to advance on Aleppo: NGO
The Syrian army's use of surface-to-surface missiles on Aleppo is part of a bid to advance on the northern city, swathes of which have fallen into rebel hands since mid-2012.
Russia accuses US over UN statement on Syria attack
Russia on Thursday accused US diplomats of blocking a UN Security Council condemnation of a bomb attack in the Syrian capital that left at least 59 dead.
Damascus hit by its deadliest bombing in Syria war
A huge car bomb near the headquarters of Syria's ruling party killed nearly 60 people and caused widespread destruction in the deadliest attack to hit Damascus since the civil war erupted.
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.
Kerry, Lavrov talk, finally, on Syria, NKorea: US
US Secretary of State John Kerry finally talked Sunday with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, who had been unavailable for days after the North Korean nuclear test.
Fresh blows for under-pressure Syrian regime
Gunmen have killed an Iranian commander in Syria as rebels shot down two fighter jets and overran a town, dealing further setbacks for forces loyal to President Bashar al-Assad.
Obama vows US will back human rights in Middle East
US President Barack Obama vowed to maintain the pressure on the Syrian regime and to defend human rights in the Middle East on Tuesday, but offered no new ideas to halt bloodshed in the Arab world.
Fierce fighting in Syria, UN envoy meets opposition leader
Syrian rebels launched fierce assaults on government troops in several parts of the country on Sunday, as a UN envoy urged the leader of the opposition to seek dialogue with the Damascus regime.
Clashes in Egypt as anti-Morsi camp demands change
Thousands of protesters clashed with police in several Egyptian provinces in rallies calling on Islamist President Mohamed Morsi to fulfil the goals of the revolt that brought him to power.
Gunmen kill 10 in attacks on Nigeria polio clinics
Gunmen killed at least 10 people in horrifying attacks on two Nigerian polio clinics on Friday that dealt a new blow to the campaign to wipe out the disease.
Peace hopes dim as Syrian army targets Damascus area
Syria's army has launched a fierce assault around Damascus, blasting rebel strongholds and sealing the main entrances to the capital, witnesses said, as prospects for peace talks dimmed.
Assad fumes as Israel admits Syria air strike
Israel has implicitly confirmed it staged an air strike on Syria last week, with President Bashar al-Assad accusing the Jewish state of trying to further destabilise his war-torn country.
US, Russia seek to iron out Syria differences
The US and Russia meet in Germany Saturday in a new bid to iron out their differences over the war in Syria, with the head of the opposition saying the world must not be a bystander to the tragedy.
Morsi declares emergency, curfews in Egypt riot-hit areas
President Mohamed Morsi declared a state of emergency in three provinces hit by rioting which has left dozens dead, warning he was ready to take further steps to confront threats to Egypt's security.
Malians escaping 'second hell' find refuge in Burkina
For the many Malians who have fled to Burkina Faso in recent days, facing life in a refugee camp won out over the horrors of war, after already suffering through occupation by hardline Islamist rebels.