North Africa

Mali: jihadis step up attacks on Tuaregs

The Movement for Unity and Jihad in West Africa (MUJAO) was blamed for a massacre of some 30 Tuaregs in a road ambush near the desert city of Gao in northern Mali.

South Asia

Pakistan: jihadis step up attacks on Sufis

Gunmen attacked a Sufi religious gathering in Pakistan's port city of Karachi, leaving eight dead—the latest in a wave of such attacks by Deobandi fundamentalist militants.

Africa

Anti-gay witch-hunt in Nigeria

The local Islamic police in Nigeria's Bauchi state are carrying out a hunt for members of a putative "homosexual organization," who may face death by stoning.

Greater Middle East

Egypt: new charter approved amid violence

A police station was bombed and 10 killed in clashes as Egyptian voters approved a new constitution that emphasizes secularism but gives greater power to the military.

North Africa

Morocco considers amending rape law

Morocco's parliament announced a proposal to amend Article 475 of the penal code, which allows rapists to avoid charges if they marry their victims.

Iraq

Qaedists lose ground in Syria; gain in Iraq

Syrian rebels launched an offensive against the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS)—just as the Qaeda-inspired army has seized the Iraqi towns of Fallujah and Ramadi.

Africa

Cameroon takes steps against Boko Haram

Authorities in Cameroon have beefed up border controls in the Far North region to guard against infiltration by Boko Haram as civilians flee the growing war in Nigeria.