North Africa
Libya: Sufis under attack —again
With Islamist-led militia in nearly complete control of the Libyan capital, the historic Othman Pasha Madrassa in Tripoli's Old City was vandalized by a crowd of gunmen.
Author: CounterVortex
Iraq
Iraq: ISIS near ‘complete control’ of Anbar
The Anbar Tribal Council warns that the western Iraqi governorate is 80% under control of ISIS, and remaining tribal fighters could be routed without urgent intervention.
Greater Middle East
US warns Lebanon over Iranian military aid
As Hezbollah claimed responsibility for a border attack that wounded two Israeli soldiers, the US threatened to cut off military aid to Lebanon if it accepts arms from Iran.
Kurdistan’s female fighters
The role of women in war is typically dominated by images of women as victims, peace-makers, or home-makers to be protected by male fighters. But in Kobani, the Kurdish town in northern Syria now besieged by ISIS, women are taking… Read moreKurdistan’s female fighters
South Asia
Climate change exacerbating Kashmir crisis?
Renewed fighting between India and Pakistan across the Line of Control in Kashmir follows devastating floods in the divided region, which have deepend local anger.
Palestine
Israelis and Palestinians clash at al-Aqsa mosque
Palestinian protesters clashed with Israeli police at East Jerusalem's al-Aqsa mosque after Israelis marking the Sukkot feast tried to invade the mosque.
The Andes
Peru: populist governor re-elected from prison
Gregorio Santos, the populist president of Peru's Cajamarca region, was comfortably re-elected—despite being imprisoned as corruption charges are pending against him.
Greater Middle East
Kurds protest across Turkey as ISIS enters Kobani
As ISIS forces penetrated Kobani, Kurds across Turkey took to the streets in angry protests at Ankara's inaction, leaving several dead in street clashes.
The Andes
Colombia: dialogue table for peasants, minorities
Colombia's government, campesinos, indigenous groups and Afro-Colombians launched a dialogue table to improve conditions for rural and minority communities.
Mexico
Mexico: Templario operative killed, secrets spilled
Mexican police busted a major operative of Michoacán's Knights Templar syndicate—as videotapes emerged implicating a top TV anchor in pay-offs from the cartel.
East Asia
Hong Kong: dissent spreads to mainland
Dozens of activists across the People's Republic have been detained for posting online statements in support of the Hong Kong protests, and even raising placards in public.
Revolutionary Kurdistan in arms against ISIS
The main Kurdish armed group in Syria again called on Kurds across the region to help prevent a massacre in Kobani as ISIS forces closed their ring around the town and pummeled it with artillery fire. The statement issued by… Read moreRevolutionary Kurdistan in arms against ISIS