Syria

Young children have been pulled from the wreckage of buildings in the Duma area of Damascus, Syria, after a reported airstrike by forces loyal to Assad.

Jihadist group linked to Al-Qaida lays claim to Fallujah in major security setback for Iraqi government.

Israeli military opens fire, after rockets hit near border town.

Ahead of second round of Geneva talks, Syrian president tells Pope there should be no foreign intervention.

Al least six killed, including a former finance minister and senior aide to ex-PM Saad Hariri.

IBTimes UK looks back at the 12 most captivating photos of 2013.

Post-mortem will seek to establish cause of death of surgeon who died in Syrian jail.

Secretary of state's decision to meet Islamic Front for Syria peace talks might be more controversial than expected.

Millions of Syrian refugees battle severe winters, deprived of food, basic services and amenities.

UK human rights group claims 14 children among dead in latest strike by regime on rebels.

Thousands of Syrian refugees at risk in freezing temperatures.

Kurdistan region of Hassakeh will receive food and aid via airbridge from Iraq.

Javier Espinosa and photographer Ricardo Garcia captured by rebels fighting for Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant.

Free Qalamoun took hostages from Maaloula convent as bargaining chip for release of Assad prisoners.

Pontiff prays for sisters kidnapped from St Tecla Orthodox monastery in Christian town in Syria.

John Yazigi calls on jihadist Jabhat al-Nusra militia to return St Tecla nuns to safety.

Jihadists with al-Qaida-linked Jabhat al-Nusra among groups that overran pilgrimage site.

UN high commissioner Navi Pillay accuses Damascus regime of authorising crimes against humanity.

Choukri Ellekhlifi fought alongside al-Qaida extremists in Syria after mugging wealthy Londoners.

Damascus to participate in UN-sponsored peace talks but will refuse to surrender power, says official.

Islamic Front, largest collection of armed rebel groups, spells out political agenda.

Foreign minister says Islamic Republic willing to join peace talks in January.

FSA leader says forces will not halt battle to wrest power from Assad while Geneva talks go on.

Saudis, Jordanians and Egyptians hunt for virgins in Syrian refugee camps.

Pontiff worried by sectarian violence in Syria, Iraq and Egypt urges authorities to protect the faithful.

David Meseguer and Oriol Gracia's documentary shows Kurds' quiet resistance to Assad and al-Qaida.

Syria and North Korea might be out in the cold, but maintain good relations through their rulers.

Tehran's cultural attaché to Lebanon, Sheikh Ibrahim Ansari, among 23 killed by twin blast in Hezbollah stronghold

Former German national under-17 team player dead in bombing after quitting football for radical Islam.