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.
Vowing to 'destroy terrorists,' France adopts words of war
With its talk of "destroying" enemies and confronting "jihadi terrorists", France has adopted a language of war for its intervention in Mali that few expected from Socialist President Francois Hollande.
Syria rebels planning to break Aleppo deadlock
Rebels trying to break a months-long deadlock in their battle for Syria's second city Aleppo say they are cutting supply routes ahead of simultaneous assaults on regime bases.
Campus blasts kill at least 82 in Syria's Aleppo
Twin blasts ripped through university buildings in Syria's second city Aleppo on Tuesday killing at least 82 people and wounding scores more, on the first day of exams for students.
Factories close, workers flee: Syria industry losing steam
Once cogs in a dynamic industrial engine that helped power Syria's economy, the factories in a sprawling zone in the heart of battle-ravaged Aleppo now stand largely silent, the workers mostly fled.
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.
Bloodiest day in years for Pakistan as blasts kill 115
A string of bombings in Pakistan including a twin suicide attack on a snooker hall used by Shiite Muslims has left 115 people dead, in one of the nation's deadliest days in years.
New Syria newspaper fights 'lies of war'
Truth is said to be the first casualty of war, but Khaled al-Khatib and a small group of journalists running a new newspaper in Syria's rebel-held territories are determined to keep the patient alive.
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.
Syria conflict kills 60,000, says UN, as clashes rage
More than 60,000 people have been killed in the Syrian conflict, the UN said on Wednesday, as dozens more died or were wounded when an air strike hit a service station near Damascus.
Syria ushers in New Year with more violence
Syrians woke up to air strikes near Damascus on New Year's Day and the closure of Aleppo airport after repeated rebel attacks, casting doubts on efforts to end the 21-month conflict.
UN chief condemns 'escalating' violence in Pakistan
UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon said Sunday he was "appalled by the escalating terrorist violence in Pakistan," after 19 Shiite pilgrims died in a car bomb and 21 kidnapped soldiers were killed.
Assad forces take district of Syria's Homs: NGO
Forces loyal to Syria's President Bashar al-Assad on Saturday seized a district of the central city of Homs after a fierce assault that sparked a humanitarian crisis.
S. Sudan 'armed groups' attack disputed area: Khartoum
"Armed groups" from South Sudan clashed with Arab tribesmen in Samaha, a flashpoint border region disputed by Khartoum and Juba.
Syrian deputy FM Muqdad begins talks in Russia
A Syrian government delegation led by Deputy Foreign Minister Faisal Muqdad on Thursday began talks at the Russian foreign ministry on the crisis in the country.
UN, US concern as C. Africa rebels close in on capital
The UN is evacuating staff from the Central African Republic and the US has warned its citizens to leave as rebel fighters close in on the tense capital Bangui.