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Taliban leaders confirmed that long-planned direct talks with the US took place in Doha, capital of Qatar. The Taliban said in a statement that their delegation met with US special adviser for Afghanistan reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad. The statement said the two sides discussed the prospects for an end to the presence of the foreign forces in Afghanistan, and the return of "true peace" to the country. These overtures come as the US is stepping up operations against ISIS in Afghanistan. In an August air-strike in Nangarhar province, the US claimed to have killed Abu Sayed Orakzai, top ISIS commander in Afghanistan. Earlier in August, more than 200 ISIS fighters and their two top commanders surrendered to Afghan government forces in Jowzjan province to avoid capture by Taliban insurgents, after a two-day battle that was a decisive victory for the Taliban. (Photo: Khaama Press)
Peru: hostage crisis follows Huancas prison revolt
Some 400 prisoners revolted at Huancas prison in the northeastern Peruvian city of Chachapoyas on New Years Eve, taking several guards hostage and seizing part of the facility.
Criminal charges dismissed in Blackwater massacre
On New Years Eve, a federal judge dismissed all criminal charges against five Blackwater guards accused in the massacre of 17 innocent Iraqi civilians in Baghdad’s Nisur Square.
Is there a West Bank “settlement freeze”?
The Israeli daily Ha’aretz reports that construction in West Bank settlements is “booming” despite the declared freeze, with expansion underway at more than 50 settlements and two industrial zones.
Gaza solidarity activists injured in Cairo protests
Several international activists were injured by Egyptian riot police during demonstrations with the Gaza Freedom March in Cairo. Egypt has denied the march access to the besieged Strip.
Israeli high court orders West Bank road open to Palestinians
In a move heralded by human rights groups, Israel’s supreme court ordered the military to allow Palestinians to travel on part of a major highway that runs through the West Bank.
Dennis Vincent Brutus, 1924-2009
World-renowned political organizer and one of Africa’s most celebrated poets, Dennis Brutus, died early on Dec. 26 in Cape Town, in his sleep, aged 85.
Afghanistan: Karzai appoints delegation to investigate civilian deaths
Afghan President Hamid Karzai appointed a delegation to investigate 10 civilian deaths, including eight schoolchildren, believed to have occurred during a NATO raid in Kunar province.
Brazil: Guarani leaders murdered, tortured
Another indigenous Guarani leader, Osmair Martins Ximenes, was killed in Brazil last week, the latest in a string of killings related to the theft of the people’s land.
Colombia: who killed Gov. Cuéllar, and why?
Colombian senator Piedad Córdoba asked the FARC to state whether they are responsible for the death of Caquetá governor Luis Francisco Cuéllar, as conspiracy theories abound.
Panama: families mark 20 years since US invasion
Survivors of the 1989 US invasion of Panama marked the 20th anniversary with a protest at the old US embassy in Panama City, burning effigies of Barack Obama and Panama’s new president.