Great British Bark Off: Great Dane Freddy from Leigh-on-Sea is world's tallest dog
From runt of the litter to world record holder, Freddy is a 'great' Great Dane.
Syria ceasefire off to shaky start as Russia and Turkey join forces against Isis
Russian military offered support to Turkish operation in al-Bab for the first time.
Priest who was banned from giving mafia boss mass seeks meeting with Pope Francis
The mass was supposed to remember Rocco Sollecito, a mobster killed in Canada in May.
Lynch law engulfs socialist Venezuela as offenders are hunted down by angry mobs
Deaths by lynching have increase six times in the past year as the country struggles with widespread crime and hunger.
South Koreans continue to oppose Japan deal on former sex slaves, a year after it was signed
Opposition politicians promised to nullify the deal should their party win the next presidential election.
9,000 artists 'blacklisted' in South Korea for opposing President Park Geun-hye
The list purportedly included one of South Korea's most influential figures, film director Park Chan-wook.
Russian President Vladimir Putin announces Syrian ceasefire deal
It would bring a nationwide halt to the fighting that erupted in 2011.
Read in full US Secretary of State John Kerry's speech on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict
The passionate speech addresses controversy over a UN resolution condemning Israeli settlement policy.
US Secretary of State John Kerry savages Israeli settlement policy in fiery swansong
Kerry passionately defended two-state solution as the only way to secure Israel's survival as Jewish and democratic state.
Bahrain authorities refuse to release human rights activist Nabeel Rajab
Bahraini prosecutors announced his continued detention in an Instagram post.
Anis Amri travelled through the Netherlands to reach Italy after Berlin attack
Most-wanted man moved through several European countries before being shot dead in Milan.
Nationwide ceasefire in Syria within reach as Turkey and Russia finalise deal
A source told Turkish state-run news agency ceasefire could come into force after midnight on 29 December.
Pope Francis pardons Vatican whistleblower, catching Edward Snowden's attention
Pope Francis' predecessor Benedict XVI also pardoned his whistleblowing butler in 2012.
Suspect in Berlin terror attack was 'supposed to be deported' months ago
Statement from a German policeman contributes to an ongoing debate about deportations in the country.
Thousands wait to leave east Aleppo while the government-controlled west celebrates Christmas
Christmas celebrations were briefly disrupted by an explosion, but no injuries were reported.
German media name Tunisian as terror suspect in Berlin truck attack on Christmas market
Multiple reports try to paint a portrait of the man named in documents found under the driver's seat.
German police hunt Tunisian man in connection to Berlin truck attack
Investigators found a form of identification document underneath the driver's seat in the truck.
Russia, Iran and Turkey support negotiations in Syrian conflict as Aleppo evacuation continues
The rebels remaining in Aleppo were told to leave 'as soon as possible' by the Syrian forces and their allies.
Swiss occultist identified as gunman in Zurich mosque shooting
The police suspect the man of having links to the occult.
Berlin truck attack suspect still on the loose
German police have said the 23-year-old man arrested may not be involved in the deadly incident.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel declares Berlin truck attack a 'terrorist' act
The attack at a Christmas market in the German capital left 12 people dead and up to 50 injured.
Zurich mosque shooter is dead say police as manhunt is called off
The attacker shot three people near the main train station of Switzerland's financial capital.
UK defence chief Michael Fallon claims British pressure made Saudi Arabia renounce use of cluster bombs
Saudi Arabia admitted using cluster munitions in Yemen, but also pledged to stop using the weapon in the future.
North Carolina to repeal anti-transgender 'bathroom bill' in trade-off with Charlotte City Council
Incoming Democrat governor Roy Cooper said a special session to repeal the bill will be held on 20 December.
Civilians in Mosul face hunger and basic service shortages even in liberated areas
The delivery of aid is irregular, and dependent on security conditions.
South Korean president's jailed confidante denies extortion charges as trial starts
Choi denied pressuring companies in donating tens of millions of dollars to foundations under her control.
North Korea's deputy ambassador to UK defected to escape 'tyrannical reign of terror' of Kim Jong Un
The high-profile defector says he became 'disenchanted' with Kim Jong Un regime.
Which two MPs opposed the ratification of the Istanbul Convention?
The UK has signed the Convention in 2012 but it has yet to ratify it.
Radicalised 12-year-old boy suspected of planting bomb at Christmas market in Germany
Police said the boy has been 'strongly religiously radicalised' by an 'unknown member' of Isis.
Anti-Muslim violence in Myanmar risks radicalising the Rohingya population
Islamist groups like al-Qaeda and the Islamic State have referred to the plight of the Rohingya in their material.
