Africa

Somalia and Somaliland restart dialogue

Somalia has made a $1 million donation to the drought-hit breakaway region of Somaliland, ahead of controversial talks between the two sides to clarify their future relations.

Africa

Horn of Africa water wars leave Somalia dry

Ethiopia has completely halted the flow of water into Somalia by closing the gates on irrigation dams along the Shabelle River—leaving dry a key agricultural region.

Africa

Somalia: US air-strikes on Shabaab camp

US drones and warplanes killed more than 150 al-Shabab militants in Somalia, with the Pentagon citing an "imminent threat" to US and African Union forces.

Greater Middle East

ISIS coordinated attacks from France to Kuwait?

Seemingly coordinated attacks left over 140 dead across four countries in what social media users are dubbing "Bloody Friday"—one year after declaration of the ISIS "caliphate."

Planet Watch

UN: world refugees break record

War across large swaths of the Middle East and Africa in the first six months of 2014 forcibly displaced some 5.5 million people, signalling yet another record, the UN reports.

Africa

Kenya approves harsh anti-terrorism law

Kenya's parliament passed a sweeping new anti-terrorism law after some of its members engaged in a shoving match that led to blows being exchanged.

Oceania

ISIS in Sydney?

Internet and media slueths scramble to identify the faction behind the jihadist flag raised by the militant in the Sydney hostage crisis—which follows Austrailian air-strikes on ISIS.