IRAQ

Islamic State has captured seven oilfields and two refineries since they invaded Iraq.

Islamist militants also capture fourth oil field and three towns overrunning unopposed Kurdish forces.

EU announces extra aid to help Syria relief and recovery effort

Iraq government files case with local court claiming oil cargo belongs to Baghdad

One of world's biggest airlines to stop flying over militant-held territory following MH17 crash.

Fathers fail to convince their sons to return home

Ultra-violent jihadists control revenue-generating oil facilities in Syria and Iraq.

Women in eastern Yemeni region warned against stepping out of their houses without legal male company.

Rebels storm 4th century monastery near the Christian town of Qaraqosh.

Christians are fleeing Mosul for safer areas in neighbouring Kurdistan following threats from Isis militants.

Oil ministry estimates Kurds pumping 20,000 - 25,000 barrels a day.

Isis social media accounts reveal death of Aberdeen-based fighter.

Palestine-born extremist preacher calls Islamic Caliphate declaration 'void and meaningless.'

UK central bank policymakers fret about the lack of market volatility in response to global flashpoints.

KRG representatives anger Baghdad by seeking oil export agreements and access to revenues for oil already sold.

Islamist assailants open fire at residents in apartment for allegedly running prostitution den in Baghdad neighbourhood.

Opec predictions for 2015 show US boosting its own oil production by 7%.

Iraq's Kurds are showing increased assertiveness as Baghdad flounders.

Security forces find men bound and killed in Hilla.

The KRG is hopeful oil output could spike in the next few years to one million barrels of oil per day.

Maj. Gen. Najim Abdullah Ali was overseeing village raid when mortar round exploded near him.