Syria
Syrian police killed in ambush as unrest spreads
Fourteen Syrian police were killed in an "ambush" by forces loyal to the ousted government, the transitional administration says, as demonstrations mark the most widespread unrest since Bashar…
Syrian Christians attend Christmas mass for first time since fall of Assad
The service was held amid tight security due to concerns of violence against Christian sites.
Russian cargo ship sinks in Mediterranean after explosion
An explosion has sunk a Russian cargo ship in the Mediterranean Sea on Monday night, Russian authorities said, leaving two crew members missing.
From Vogue magazine to exile - What's next for Bashar al-Assad's wife?
Asma al-Assad was once seen as Syria's Princess Diana. Now, she will likely live out her days exiled in Russia. Audio
The latest from Syria
Half-century of dynastic authoritarian rule came to a shockingly abrupt end in Syria this week with the overthrow of Bashar al Assad. Audio
What the fall of Syria's regime means for the world
Analysis: What to expect amid the swirling currents of proxy powers after the fall of Bashar al-Assad's government. Audio
Celebrations in Syria as president reportedly ousted
President Bashar al-Assad has reportedly fled Damascus as rebels entered the Syrian capital.
Syrian rebels topple president, ending his family's 50-year rule
The move, after more than 13 years of civil war, is a seismic moment for the Middle East.
Syrian rebels capture second major city as army withdraws
It is the second major gain for a newly formed rebel coalition that also captured Aleppo last week.
Israel strikes Damascus, military site near Homs, Syrian defence says
Israel has launched strikes on the Syrian capital Damascus and a military site, Syria says, as the US Secretary of State tours the region pushing for a halt to fighting.
Seven dead after car bomb tears through market in Syria
At least seven people have been killed in a car bombing which targeted a busy market in northern Syria.
Israel pounds Gaza, targets in Syria and Lebanon, US ups presence
Concerns the Israel-Hamas war could trigger wider Middle East conflict is rising, with the US sending more military assets and Israel pummelling targets in Gaza and Hamas supporters in Lebanon and…
Middle East correspondent Sebastian Usher
Sebastian says among the number of issues in Israel at the moment is the controversial judicial overhaul and the intensifying conflict with Palestinians. In Syria, there've been days of anti-… Audio
At least 53 killed in attack in Syria blamed on Islamic State
At least 53 civilians were killed in an attack in Syria's central desert province of Homs, state media says, blaming Islamic State.
Europe: Turkey quake response in spotlight, Ukraine braces for
Europe correspondent Seamus Kearney joins Kathryn with the latest on the earthquakes in Turkey and Syria which has left at least 28,000 people dead. The majority of the deaths were in Turkey, where… Audio
Turkish, Syrian NZers raising funds to help family in quakes
The government has committed another three million in aid to Turkey and Syria.
Meanwhile expats are doing what they can to help the humanitarian response.
Turkish and Syrian businesses throughout… Audio
Death toll in Turkey-Syria quake rises to more than 11,000
The combined death toll in Turkey and Syria from Monday's quakes has risen to more than 11,500 as criticism grows over the Turkish government's official response to the disaster. Audio
Turkey-Syria quake: Thousands killed, death toll expected to rise
More than 4300 people have been killed and more than 15,000 injured in a massive and devastating earthquake on Turkey's border with Syria.
The deadly quake struck at night, toppling entire buildings… Video, Audio
Almost 30 New Zealanders registered as being in quake-hit Turkey - MFAT
There are currently 29 New Zealanders registered on SafeTravel as being in Turkey, which was hit by two powerful earthquakes on Monday.
More than 3000 dead in Turkey and Syria, second huge quake hits
The magnitude 7.8 quake which hit before sunrise in bitter winter weather, was followed in the early afternoon by another large quake of magnitude 7.7.
