World

We\'ve taken Ramadi, says Iraqi army in first victory over Islamic State
We've taken Ramadi, says Iraqi army in first victory over Islamic State

The victory is the first major triumph for the Iraqi army since it collapsed 18 months ago.

Seized documents reveal Islamic State\'s Department of \'War Spoils\'
Seized documents reveal Islamic State's Department of 'War Spoils'

A hierarchical bureaucracy is detailed in a cache of documents seized by US Special Operations Forces.

Poorer nations tend to be more religious than rich ones
Poorer nations tend to be more religious than rich ones

A survey by the Pew Research Center states that many highly religious countries include some of the poorest ones too, such as Nigeria, India, Senegal and Ethiopia.

Putin turning to an old foe, the Taliban, for help in fight against growing ISIS presence in Afghanistan
Putin turning to an old foe, the Taliban, for help in fight against growing ISIS presence in Afghanistan

Despite being an enemy for generations, Russia is now going to exchange information with the Taliban on the propagation of the Islamic State (ISIS) militants in Afghanistan.

Abusive African migrants dump trash in streets for lack of Wi-Fi, cleaners at their villa in Italy
Abusive African migrants dump trash in streets for lack of Wi-Fi, cleaners at their villa in Italy

African migrants in an Italian town have dumped their thrash into the streets in protest over lack of free Wi-fi and for not getting cleaners to clean their mess, according to reports.

\'Santas\' wearing gas masks attack Jesus\' birthplace on Christmas week; fears of new Palestinian uprising mount
'Santas' wearing gas masks attack Jesus' birthplace on Christmas week; fears of new Palestinian uprising mount

The season of joy apparently turned out of to be the season of woe at the traditional birthplace of Jesus Christ when "Santas" wearing gas masks launched an attack on Thursday in the West Bank as Bethlehem was filled with tourists celebrating the birth of Christ, according to reports.

Over 2,400 babies in Brazil suspected to have brain damage due to mosquito-borne virus that came from monkeys
Over 2,400 babies in Brazil suspected to have brain damage due to mosquito-borne virus that came from monkeys

More than 2,400 infants in Brazil are currently being monitored for suspected brain damage, and Brazilian health officials suspect that this alarming medical situation was caused by a mosquito-borne virus transmitted from monkeys to human beings.

A menace deadlier than guns: Workplace exposure to toxic substances killing more Americans
A menace deadlier than guns: Workplace exposure to toxic substances killing more Americans

Unbeknownst to many, there is a less publicized, but deadlier menace claiming the lives of more Americans annually: exposure to toxic substances in the workplace.

More and more American women buying guns: They \'no longer look to men to keep themselves safe\'
More and more American women buying guns: They 'no longer look to men to keep themselves safe'

More and more women in the United States are taking their safety into their own hands, especially in the light of deadly mass shooting that took place this year.

\'Keep praying\' urges local bishop as floods cause chaos in northern England
'Keep praying' urges local bishop as floods cause chaos in northern England

Days of torrential rain in northern England have caused rivers to burst their banks and flood several villages.

Tornadoes and floods across the South claim eight lives
Tornadoes and floods across the South claim eight lives

The National Weather Service confirmed tornadoes hit multiple cities in the greater Dallas area on Saturday evening, and there were reports of widespread damage and flooding.

Pope urges solution to crisis for US-bound Cuban migrants
Pope urges solution to crisis for US-bound Cuban migrants

Nicaragua has refused to let the growing number of Cubans trying to reach the United States who have become stuck in Costa Rica pass through its territory. About 5,000 Cubans are estimated to be on the border.

A year in film: the Christian themes in 2015\'s biggest movies – Part One
A year in film: the Christian themes in 2015's biggest movies – Part One

A chance to reflect on what we've enjoyed on the big screen, and also on some of the Christian or religious themes that the big releases have incorporated...

U.S. army deserter Bowe Bergdahl recalls ordeal as Taliban prisoner for 5 years

American soldier Bowe Bergdahl who has been a captive of the Taliban militants for five years and now facing a court martial for desertion and misbehaviour after his escape, disclosed of his ordeal and how he has been interrogated with ridiculous questions by his captors.

President Obama\'s Christmas Eve message on Christian persecution sounds \'strange,\' even \'crazy\' to critics
President Obama's Christmas Eve message on Christian persecution sounds 'strange,' even 'crazy' to critics

Conservative critics remained dubious of the real intention of U.S. President Barack Obama even after he issued a statement on Christmas Eve denouncing the persecution of Christians in the Middle East.

ISIS leader Baghdadi threatens to attack Israel \'soon,\' urges Saudis to overthrow their rulers
ISIS leader Baghdadi threatens to attack Israel 'soon,' urges Saudis to overthrow their rulers

Making a rare public address on Christmas Day, the leader of the self-declared Islamic State (ISIS) Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi threatened to launch an attack on Israel in the coming days and called on Saudis to overthrow their rulers.