Syrian intelligence officials foiled an Islamic State plot to bomb a Shiite shrine in Damascus, arresting members of the IS cell. The country’s new leaders are working to reassure religious minorities, including those who supported the former government of Bashar Assad. Lebanon’s caretaker Prime Minister visited Damascus to meet with the ruling party leader, signaling a potential improvement in strained relations between the two countries.
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British couple in their 70s arrested by Taliban
In Afghanistan, a British couple in their 70s, Peter and Barbie Reynolds, were arrested by the Taliban while running training projects despite a ban on women working and education for girls over 12. Their daughter has not heard from them in over two weeks and is urging the Taliban to release them. The UK government is limited in its assistance as it does not recognize the Taliban, who have banned women from working for NGOs...
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