Heavy civilian casualties in Raqqa from air strikes - UN
Some 20,000 civilians are trapped in Raqqa where the jihadist fighters are holding some of them as human shields
German minister favours longer ban on Syrian refugees bringing families
Concern about migration has fuelled support in particular for the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party
After tense talks, U.N. agrees to renew peacekeepers in Lebanon
The resolution also asks UN chief to look at ways the peacekeeping mission can increase its visible presence, including through patrols and inspections
Climate change, refugees worsen Jordan's water woes - scientists
Jordan is already one of the most water-poor countries, with its supplies set to come under even greater stress
Lebanon calls on UN to renew peacekeepers' mandate
The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) patrols Lebanon's southern border with Israel
Syrian schools grow edible playgrounds to boost diets of hungry children
The price of food has risen since the start of the war - agriculture production has plummeted, and the country now relies on food imports
Tackle Middle East water scarcity to save money, boost stability - World Bank
Improved water management could bring considerable financial returns to the Middle East
In war-torn Darfur, new US aid chief stresses need for humanitarian access
Unfettered humanitarian access is a key demand for the easing of U.S. sanctions against the government of President Omar al-Bashir.
Hostility grows towards Syrian refugees in Lebanon
Tensions have simmered for years but the debate has taken a harder edge in recent months.
In first trip, new USAID chief visits Sudan as sanctions deadline nears
U.S. aid chief Mark Green is due to visit projects in drought-hit zones including neighbouring Ethiopia.