American ex-Nusra Front hostage: Qatar’s ransom payouts are tactic to fund terror

An American journalist who was abducted in Syria by al-Qaeda-linked militants in 2012 has spoken of how Qatar’s efforts to secure his release in 2014 left him with concerns over the Gulf state’s funding of terrorism.

Secret US payment to Iran coincided with prisoners' release: report

White House denies any link between the two events, but critics say Obama agreed to pay a ransom...

Somalia: Security Council reauthorizes international naval forces to fight piracy off East Africa

 UN, 10 November 2015 – The United Nations Security Council today renewed for another year its authorization for international naval forces to join in fighting piracy off the coast of Somalia, stressing that while the threat from Somali pirates has declined, it still remains a matter of “grave concern.”

Japan PM says will do utmost to free captives

Japan will do its utmost to free two of its countrymen believed to be held captive by the Islamic State militant group, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe told reporters on Wednesday, adding that Tokyo would never give in to terrorism.