Tuesday, 26 December, 2017 , 14:24 AFP — More than three dozen Syrian rebel groups, including influential Islamists, have rejected a Russian-led initiative for talks next month in Sochi on ending Syria's war.

Friday, 22 December, 2017 , 17:05 AFP — Demonstrators irate at the authorities in Iraqi Kurdistan took to the streets for a fifth day Friday, demanding the release of more than 200 protesters detained over violent rallies that have roiled the region.

Thursday, 21 December, 2017 , 14:40 AFP — Hundreds of protesters faced off with security forces in Iraqi Kurdistan for a fourth day Thursday, demanding the resignation of politicians accused of graft.

Thursday, 21 December, 2017 , 10:35 AFP — Hundreds of detainees in Iraq are feared to have been "forcibly disappeared" by Kurdish authorities after they were arrested for suspected ties to the Islamic State group, Human Rights Watch said Thursday.

Wednesday, 20 December, 2017 , 16:51 AFP — Protests raged for a third day in Iraqi Kurdistan on Wednesday despite a clampdown by security forces after five people were killed as ire exploded at the calamitous fallout from an independence vote.

Wednesday, 20 December, 2017 , 14:46 AFP — Protests raged for a third day in Iraqi Kurdistan Wednesday despite a clampdown by security forces after five people were killed as ire exploded at the calamitous fallout from an independence vote.

Wednesday, 20 December, 2017 , 10:15 AFP — Heavily armed troops and anti-riot police locked down Iraqi Kurdistan's second city Sulaimaniyah on Wednesday after two days of protests killed five people and wounded nearly 200 across the region.

Tuesday, 19 December, 2017 , 20:28 AFP — Iraqi Kurdistan, autonomous since 1991, is mired in a political, social and economic crisis which has worsened since its recent failed referendum on independence.

Tuesday, 19 December, 2017 , 20:01 AFP — Five people were killed and dozens wounded in Iraqi Kurdistan on Tuesday as security forces opened fire during clashes with protesters amid growing anger over a failed push for independence.

Tuesday, 19 December, 2017 , 19:09 AFP — Iraqi Kurdistan, mired in deadly protests, has been in open crisis with the Baghdad government since voters in the northern autonomous region overwhelmingly backed independence in a September referendum.