Afghanistan
Afghan opium boom again breaks record
For a second consecutive year, Afghan opium cultivation broke all previous records, according to the latest report from the UN Office on Drugs and Crime.
Greater Middle East
Egypt: court dismisses case against Mubarak
A Egyptian court dropped charges against former president Hosni Mubarak in his retrial for the deaths of more than 100 protesters during the 2011 uprising that toppled his regime.
Africa
North Nigeria: 400,000 displaced in ‘urgent need’
More than 400,000 in northeastern Nigeria have been forced to flee their homes due to Boko Haram violence in recent weeks, and are in "urgent need" of assistance.
Africa
Burkina Faso: regime to identify Sankara remains
In a bid to win popular support, the interim regime in Burkina Faso has pledged a new investigation to verify the burial place of slain revolutionary leader Thomas Sankara.
The Andes
Amnesty: concern over Colombia land restitution
Amnesty International voiced concern that claimants under Colombia's Land Restitution Law face problems ranging from bureaucratic obstacles to intimidation.
Greater Middle East
Egypt: first FGM trial ends in acquittals
Two men in Egypt were acquitted on charges relating to female genital mutilation, in the only case brought to trial since the law banning FGM was toughened in 2008.
Europe
Scotland to have more independent powers
The UK's Smith Commission on devolution concluded that Scotland's parliament should have greater independence, but the country's leaders found it insufficient.
Iraq
Iraqi farmers suffer as land seized by militants
With ISIS controlling vast swaths of territory, uncollected harvests and the lack of winter planting could have a grave impact on Iraq's food security over the next year.
East Asia
Hong Kong to Ferguson: corporate police state
The pepper spray used by Hong Kong police is made by the Sabre company—its headquarters just oustide Ferguson, Mo., now exploding into protest over the Michael Brown case.
Africa
Vigilantes fight Boko Haram with bows and arrows
In Nigeria's northwest, traditional hunters in rural areas, armed only with bows and arrows, are organizing patrols to protect their villages against Boko Haram.
Europe
UK announces sweeping anti-terrorism bill
The UK Home Secretary announced a new Counter-Terrorism and Security Bill that would expand travel restrictions and Internet surveillance.
Southeast Asia
Thailand: editor sentenced for defaming king
A military court in Thailand sentenced web editor Nut Rungwong to four-and-a-half years in prison—the latest journalist convicted of defaming the nation's king.