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.
Tag: struggle within Islam
Africa
Somalia: women slain in spiralling reprisals
At least seven women were killed in "barbaric" attacks in Somalia after Shabab insurgents beheaded a soldier's wife, prompting revenge executions of the wives of jihadists.
Afghanistan
Afghan tribes rise against Taliban in east
Pakistani Taliban fighters who have established control over parts of eastern Afghanistan are under pressure from air-strikes and an uprising by local tribesmen.
The Caucasus
ISIS hand in Chechnya attack?
The Russian policy establishment is hypothesizing an ISIS hand in the bloody attack by Chechen insurgents in Grozny—and implying that the West is in turn behind ISIS. (Map via La Croix International)
Greater Middle East
New Syrian rebel coalition: tilt to Turkey
Syrian rebels announced formation of a new Revolutionary Command Council at a meeting in Turkey—dominated by conservative Islamists but excluding Nusra Front and ISIS.
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.
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.
Palestine
ISIS targets Jordan —and vice versa
Militants declared for ISIS in Jordan's restive city of Maan. France has supplied Jordan with new warplanes, and the kingdom is reported to already have troops in Iraq.
Greater Middle East
Peshmerga come to aid of Kobani: strings attached?
Peshmerga fighters have joined the battle for Kobani, with Turkish acquiescence. But will Ankara and the West wrest a political price for this aid from Syria's Kurdish resistance?
Greater Middle East
Saudi women’s rights campaigner arrested: report
Saudi Arabian rights activists reported that authorities had arrested Suad al-Shamari, a prominent women's rights advocate, for insulting Islam.
Greater Middle East
Egypt: court convicts eight in same-sex marriage
An Egyptian court convicted and sentenced eight men to three years in prison following their participation in an alleged same-sex wedding party.
Iran
Iran: protests against acid attacks on women
Thousands took to the streets of Isfahan, demanding authorities act to halt a spate of acid attacks on young women in the historic Iranian city.