POLITICS

Madonna tells fans to show the love for gay community but some LGBT activists not convinced.

A seasoned diplomat, Lakhdar Brahimi, has held several high-profile positions during his tenure at the United Nations.

PM Riyad HIjab planned his defection from the regime two months ago, when Assad appointed him prime minister.

US denies allegations that Myanmar authorities involved in ethnic cleansing of Rohingya Muslim community.

Police van windshield broken following attack by 20 far-right activists in Piraeus harbour.

Senior politician dismisses Madonna's criticism of Pussy Riot blasphemy 'show trial' while she tours Russia as a lecture on morality.

President moves quickly to replace outgoing premier, while China and Russia sign up for Iranian peace summit.

Tightly controlled trial of disgraced politician Bo Xilai's wife accused of poisoning associate takes just one day to hear.

Mahmoud Ahmadinejad says talks will be open only to states with 'correct and realistic position' on solving Syrian conflict.

Sustained bombardment rains down on Syria's second city while Iran plans diplomatic conference.

Gu Kailai, wife of tainted Chinese politician Bo Xilai, stands accused of poisoning British businessman Neil Heywood - in one of the most sensitive political trials in recent Chinese history.

Woman released a year early from five-year sentence for smuggling arms to Iran after mediation by Oman.

Controversial practice of forcing chicken eggs into suspected homosexuals brings disciplinary action threat by doctors' watchdog.

As anniversary of English riots passes, Lianna Brinded examines how unanswered questions around shooting of Mark Duggan and the state of youth culture will spark more violence.

Gunmen open fire on soldiers outside mosque, one day after killing 19 church worshippers in same town.

Crackdown on illegal migrants, which will see at least 1,500 kicked out of Greece, violates international law, says human rights charity.

Anonymous attacks website of Alex Schwazer, who was excluded from London 2012 Olympics for testing positive for performance-enhancer EPO.

Iran appeals for help in rescuing hostages from rebel hands - and pledges to help Assad overcome Free Syrian Army.

Coalition leaders on collision course after PM stresses he will push on with Tory plans despite Lib-Dem warning it will block them.

Egypt's military helicopters fire missiles in Toumah village, a few kilometres from Gaza Strip.

Images show hundreds of craters

In first TV appearance in weeks Syrian president tells Iran's security chief of determination to purge opposition.

Attempted self-immolations claim life of woman who dies with hands clasped in prayer but monk in separate protest survives.

Five thousand sites could close if government makes 'catastrophic' decision to back rival bidder.

Security agencies stepping up search for kidnappers and abducted foreigners.

Riyadh cabinet condemns 'brutal attacks' after reports of 80 dead in sectarian conflict.

Church's Ethical Investment Advisory Group advises pulling investment out of Rupert Murdoch's embattled media giant.

Oxfam calls for protection of civilians on top of agenda for the regional summit to be held in Uganda.

Campaign for Real Ale Research shows numbers of young people visiting their local slashed by half.