U.N. plan for local ceasefires in Syria "frozen" - diplomats
The U.N. Syria mediator has been working since October on a plan to broker local ceasefires
Female jihadist guide dispels myths of life under Islamic State: thinktank
Women should be hidden, stay at home and shun fashion boutiques, manifesto says
INSIGHT-Kurds dream of independence as they defend perilous border
Kurds are now closer than ever to achieving their dream of full independence from Iraq
ANALYSIS-Food hijack by Islamic State fuels debate over transparency of aid
How can humanitarian groups ensure crucial supplies reach victims in conflict zones?
Russia leads U.N. initiative to target Islamic State financing
The U.N. Security Council wants to increase pressure on countries to cut off cash to Islamic State
Islamic State selling, crucifying, burying children alive in Iraq - UN
The problem is huge and includes Shi'ite and Sunni children as well as religious minorities, the UN says
SPECIAL REPORT-How Cairo is taking the fight to Sinai militants
President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, a former head of the army, appears to be gaining ground in drive to crack down on Islamist groups
Injured girls lie in a field hospital, after what activists said was an airstrike by forces loyal to Syria's President Bashar al-Assad, in the Duma neighborhood of Damascus
Injured girls lie in a field hospital, after what activists said was an airstrike by forces loyal to Syria's President Bashar al-Assad, in the Duma neighborhood of Damascus, February 3, 2015. REUTERS/ Mohammed Badra