Top Story: Thousands flee as Kashmir fighting spreads (The Guaridan)

MIDDLE EAST


Dozens of Islamist fighters killed as battle of Kobani rages on . Kobani remains key battleground for ISIL as Kurds push the militants out .

Iran, top general saved Baghdad from falling to IS: Iraq MP .

Militant clashes in Iraq's Anbar kill 23 troops .

Iraq says rebuilding of army still in early stages .

Islamic State school closures in Syria affect 670,000: U.N. .

Watchdog offers more proof Syria government used chemical arms: U.S. .

Turkey bombing: Female suicide attacker hits Istanbul police station. Female suicide bomber hits police station in Istanbul's historic heart .

Yemen's al-Qaida thrives on Sunni backlash to Shiite rebels .

Saudi Arabia pledges stability for nation as oil declines .

Saudi Arabia suicide bombing puts country on alert for jihadi attacks .

Hamas denies reports its leader was expelled from Qatar .

ASIA

Afghanistan set record for growing opium in 2014.

Divers join AirAsia wreck hunt, but no sign of black box .

Thousands flee intensifying India-Pakistan clashes .

Pakistan's parliament votes for military courts to try insurgents .

U.S. stands by plan to pull troops from Afghanistan .

S. Korea notes Pyongyang's improved nuclear capability . N.Korea has 'significant' tech to build mini nuclear device: South .

Monitors fear military presence may deter Sri Lankan voters .

Powerful quake jolts Christchurch, but no damage or injuries .

AFRICA

War-weary Burundians fear fresh violence as polls approach .

Nigerian defense chief: military base in hands of extremists .

Thousands flee as Boko Haram seizes military base on Nigeria border . Boko Haram overruns Nigerian military base .

UN, Congo prepare offensive against FDLR rebels .

France 'ready' to bomb rebels on Libya border .

Mozambique's opposition Renamo spokesman arrested .

Libya's official government bans Palestinians, Syrians and Sudanese from entr y.

U.N. wants fewer but better performing troops in Congo .

Egyptian Christians held in Libya ‘freed’ .

EUROPE

Turkish vessel to continue work off Cyprus, deepening standoff . Cyprus says peace talks to remain on hold, blames Turkey.

At least 12 Ukrainian servicemen killed in road accident .

HRW calls on Germany to pressure Ukraine on civilian casualties .

NATO is setting up an ultra-rapid-reaction force to deter Russia .

Armenia picks Russian economic ties, but tries to keep foot in the West .

Germany Pegida protests: Rallies over 'Islamisation' .

Greek opposition party Syriza’s lead narrows, poll shows .

Eurozone's big economies increasingly drag on the region .

Euro touches a nine-year low against US dollar .

AMERICAS

Obama, Mexican president discuss Cuba and drug cartels .

Colombia's Santos calls on ELN rebels to declare ceasefire .

In fight against drugs, Cuba and U.S. on same team .

Cuban human rights group says short detentions on the rise .

Cuba has released some of 53 'political' prisoners, U.S. says .

Nine dead after clashes in violent western Mexican state .

Mexico charges mayor's wife over missing case .

US Coast Guard reports surge of Cuban immigrants .

Manhunt on for 2 suspected of shooting NYPD cops responding to robbery .

Arctic clipper system expected to bring snow, rain and chill to much of US .

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Thief has his hand cut off in front of a baying crowd... and a man is whipped after he is caught watching porn: How ISIS is administering its twisted justice in Syria and Iraq .

West's Islamic State focus neglects human tragedy in Syria, doctors say .

Al-Qaida militants claim responsibility for attack in Mali .

Syria: Isis chief executioner found beheaded with cigarette in his mouth .

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Wall Street ends down fifth session; oil prices fall further.

High Noon on the Gulf Coast: Canada, Saudi oil set for showdown .

Brent crude oil falls to new five-year low .

Oil extends crash into New Year as glut fear deepens .

Rolls-Royce breaks sales record again in 2014 .

20th Century Fox sets global box-office record .