The Andes

Peru: Sendero links to Colombian cartel claimed

Peru's authorities claim to have evidence that the neo-Senderistas are in league with a re-organized Colombian cocaine cartel, ironically known as the "Cafeteros" (coffee-producers).

Central America

Narco angle in Guatemala political crisis

Protesters are demanding that Guatemala's President Otto Pérez step down following corruption revelations—including claims linking his administration to narco-traffickers.

Iraq

ISIS gains ground as diplomats dither

ISIS advanced on Aleppo and launched an offensive on the Syrian Kurdish city of Hassakeh as the US and coalition partners met in Paris. No Kurdish leaders were invited to the summit.

Palestine

Hamas battles ISIS in Gaza Strip

The self-proclaimed "Supporters of the Islamic State in Jerusalem" issued a 48-hour ultimatum for the Hamas administration to halt its crackdown on the group in the Gaza Strip.

Greater Middle East

ISIS insurgency escalates in Sinai Peninsula

Several were killed and a mosque reportedly destroyed as Egyptian security forces battled militants of the ISIS-aligned Ansar Bait al-Maqdis in the Sinai Peninsula.

Greater Middle East

US tilt to Assad undermining drive against ISIS

Syrian rebels are turning down Washington's offer of training to fight ISIS, because the State Department is imposing the stipulation that it not be used to fight Assad.

Afghanistan

Pakistan: women disenfranchised, persecuted

In a deal with village elders, women are being denied the vote in northwest Pakistan's local elections—as clerics call for military action against "immodest" dress.

Africa

Uganda: displaced villagers protest land-grab

Villagers forcibly relocated by Uganda's government during the war with the Lord's Resistance Army now find that their traditional lands have been eclosed as private game reserves.

Greater Middle East

ISIS blows up Syrian prison at Palmyra

ISIS militants blew up the Tadmur prison complex at Palmyra—a move protested by Syria's civil resistance as destroying evidence of the Assad regime's crimes there.

The Andes

Peru: one dead in Nazca iron mine strike

One was killed at some 200 injured when police fired on striking miners blocking a highway near the Shougang Hierro iron mine in Peru's coastal province of Nazca.