Iraq

Kurds take Kirkuk, ISIS press offensive

Iraq's contested northern city of Kirkuk was taken by Kurdish forces after being abandoned by the army—while the ISIS offensive is halted just 75 miles outside Baghdad.

Africa

Nigeria: more sectarian attacks

Gunmen killed at least eight people and burned down a church in attacks on two villages in Nigeria's central Plateau state—as 30 Fulani women were abducted in Borno.

The Andes

Colombia to get truth commission

In the ongoing peace talks in Havana, Colombia's government and the FARC rebels agreed to a truth commission to addresses the deaths of thousands in five decades of conflict.

Iraq

Iraqi troops repel ISIS assault on Mosul

The Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) launched an assault on Samarra in central Iraq and then attempted to seize the northern city of Mosul, pointing to a renewed insurgency.

The Amazon

Peru: no justice five years after Bagua massacre

On the fifth anniversary of the Bagua massacre, Amnesty International called on Peru's authorities to ensure that all suspected of criminal responsibility are brought to justice.

Greater Middle East

Syria war fuels Lebanon hashish boom?

Afraid of war spilling across the border from neighboring Syria, Lebanon's government has halted cannabis eradication in the Bekaa Valley, allowing a dope-for-guns pipeline to flourish.

The Andes

Colombia: FARC renounce narco-profits

Colombia's government and the FARC guerillas announced an agreement, entitled "Solution to the Problem of Illicit Drugs," in which they pledge to work together agianst the narco trade.

Iran

Iran: online revolt against hijab

Iranian women by the thousands are posting their photos without a hijab on a Facebook page called My Stealthy Freedom, created by London-based Iranian journalist Masih Alinejad.