French military aircraft participating in strikes on Iraq

Joining US forces acting in Iraqi skies, French fighter jets struck on Friday against the militant Islamic State group, destroying a logistics depot, Iraqi and French officials said.

The attack made France the first foreign country to publicly add military muscle to United States airstrikes against the group, which has drawn criticism around the world and in a unanimous UN Security Council resolution for its barbarity.

Two Rafale fighter jets accompanied by support planes struck in northern Iraq on Friday morning, and the target was "entirely destroyed," French President Francois Hollande said.

Four laser-guided bombs struck the Iraqi military installation that had been overrun by the militants, and hit a munitions and fuel depot, a French military official said on condition of anonymity while discussing operational details.

Video was later released by the French Army's video and photo department ECPAD showing French fighter and support aircraft at Al Dhafra base, UAE, and video showing strikes on Iraq

Iraq's military spokesman said dozens of extremist fighters were killed in four strikes, though the French official said the French armed forces had not completed their damage assessment.

Captured Ukrainians help in clean-up in rebel-held city of Donetsk after months of shelling

The rebel-held city of Donetsk held a city-wide clean-up day on Friday after months of shelling in eastern Ukraine, sending prisoners out to help remove the debris.

The city council said one person was killed by overnight shelling in a neighbourhood in the north of the city, where fighting centered around the government-held airport has spilled over into residential areas.

But the streets were quiet Friday as the rebels carried out their clean-up.

In one school that was shelled in late August, four Ukrainian prisoners guarded by armed rebels swept up debris.

Peace talks to regulate the ongoing crisis in east Ukraine, where pro-Russian separatists have battled Ukrainian troops since April, started late Friday in the capital of Belarus.

Reaction to resignation of pro-independence leader Salmond as Scotland's first minister and leader of his party

People in Scotland's capital reacted on Friday to the news that Alex Salmond planned to resign as the country's First Minister and leader of the Scottish Nationalist Party.

"Oh my god, that's a shock! I didn't think he needed to do that," said one man on Edinburgh's Royal Mile.

Salmond made the announcement only hours after Scotland voted against independence on Thursday.

"I am not a hundred percent shocked, given what happened yesterday," Thomas Connelly said on Friday.

Salmond said he was proud of the campaign and the record turnout for Thursday's referendum.

Salmond's impassioned plea to launch a new nation fell short, with Scots choosing instead the security of remaining in union with England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Obama signs into law bill to arm Syrian opposition

President Barack Obama on Friday signed into law a bill authorising the military to arm and train Syrian rebels fighting the Islamic State group.

Obama signed the bill in the Oval Office of the White House.

The Senate gave its final approval on Thursday, a day after the legislation drew strong bipartisan support in the House.

President confines population to their homes for 3 days to stop spread of Ebola

Sierra Leone confined its six (m) million people to their homes on Friday for the next three days, as the Ebola-ravaged country began what was believed to be the most sweeping lockdown against disease since the Middle Ages.

In a desperate effort to bring the outbreak under control, thousands of health care workers began going house to house in crowded urban neighbourhoods and remote villages, hoping to find and isolate infected people.

President Ernest Bai Koroma urged his countrymen to cooperate.

In remarks broadcast on Friday, Koroma told the people of Sierra Leone that "all of us must play our part. This is because if just one person does not play his or her part to contain this disease, the trial will not end."

Health officials said they planned to urge the sick to leave their homes and seek treatment.

There was no immediate word on whether people would be forcibly removed, though authorities warned that anyone on the streets during the lockdown without an emergency pass would be subject to arrest.

More than 2,600 people have died in West Africa over the past nine months in the biggest outbreak of the virus ever recorded, with Sierra Leone accounting for more than 560 of those deaths.

Many fear the crisis will grow far worse, in part because sick people afraid of dying at treatment centres are hiding in their homes, potentially infecting others.

However, international experts warned there might not be enough beds for new patients found during the lockdown, which runs through Sunday.

Most people seemed to be taking the order seriously, and there were no immediate reports of resistance.

US Sec of State presides over Security Council meeting on threat of IS in Iraq

The UN Security Council urged the international community on Friday to expand support for the Iraqi government as it fights the Islamic State (IS) group and its supporters.

The presidential statement approved by all 15 council members at a meeting chaired by US Secretary of State John Kerry expressed "deep outrage" at the killing, kidnapping, rape and torture of Iraqis and citizens of other countries by the IS group.

Iran's Foreign Minister was present at the meeting, signalling a possible cooperation with the US and the UN.

"The fact is there is a role for nearly every country in world to play, including Iran, whose Foreign Minister is here with us today. ISIL poses a threat to all of us and we are committed to working with close partnership the new Iraqi Government and countries around the world to defeat it," said Kerry.

The meeting was also attended by Nickolay Mladenov, the head of UN Assistance Mission for Iraq, who called IS a "scourge."

Kerry convened the council to show support for the new Iraqi government in its efforts to combat IS.

Ibrahim al-Jaafari, the Iraqi Minister of Foreign Affairs, stressed that defeating IS was the responsibility of the Iraqi government, but he called for "the support of friendly nations in the air campaign (against IS)."

A few hours before foreign ministers gathered at the UN, French fighter jets struck militant Islamic State group targets in Iraq, becoming the first country to publicly add military muscle to US air strikes.

"Acting for Iraq and against the Islamic State terrorists is a duty for all of us," said Laurent Fabius, French Foreign Minister.

Kerry chaired the meeting a day after Congress approved the Obama administration's plan to help arm and train moderate Syrian rebels fighting IS militants in the Middle East.

Hillary Clinton in Iowa stirs 2016 speculation

Hillary Rodham Clinton, making her return to Iowa for the first time since the 2008 presidential campaign, implored Democrats on Sunday to choose shared economic opportunity over "the guardians of gridlock" in an high-profile appearance that drove speculation about another White House bid into overdrive.

"Hello Iowa. I'm back!" Clinton declared as she took the podium at retiring Senator Tom Harkin's annual steak fry fundraiser, a fixture on the political calendar in the home of the nation's first presidential caucus.

Clinton joined her husband, former President Bill Clinton, in a tribute to Harkin that brought them before about 10,000 party activists who form the backbone of Iowa's presidential campaigns every four years.

The former New York senator and first lady did not directly address a potential campaign but said she was "thinking about it" and joked that she was "here for the steak."

She later said that "too many people only get excited about presidential campaigns. Look, I get excited about presidential campaigns, too."

But she said the upcoming midterm elections would be pivotal for the state's voters.

"In just 50 days Iowans have a choice to make, a choice and a chance," she said, urging voters to elect leaders who would "carry on Tom Harkin's legacy of fighting for families."

Following a summertime book tour, Clinton was making her biggest campaign splash in 2014 so far, opening a fall of fundraising and campaigning for Democrats who are trying to maintain a Senate majority during President Barack Obama's final two years.

The event also served as a farewell for Harkin, a liberal stalwart and former presidential candidate who is retiring after four decades in Congress.

People moved to safety as Hurricane Odile bears down on resort area of Los Cabos

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62nd Safari Rally kicks off in Kenya

Kenya Safari Rally

The 62nd Safari Rally kicked off in Nairobi, capital of Kenya, on Friday when Kenya's president dropped the checkered flag to start the event at the Kenyatta International Conference Center.

The three-day event, known as arguably the toughest rally in the world, requires racers to scramble across some of the most unforgiving terrain in Kenya.

This particular rally is the Kenyan leg of the African Rally Championship (ARC).

A total of 65 drivers are competing, including the 2012 ARC champion, Essa Mohammed of Zambia, and this year's front-runner Gary Chaynes from the Ivory Coast.

The event invariably draws large number of local sports fans.

"We had to come and see the rally, my son loves the cars," said a local resident.

"I am here to see the cars directly. I heard it on the radio and want to be part of it," said another resident.

Baldev Chager, last year's winner, held the lead with the fastest record at 29.35 seconds, less than one minute ahead of Ian Duncan, who won the event in 1994.

Four-time winner Carl Tundo was third, while current Africa Rally Champion leader Gary Chaynes of Cote d'Ivoire came in ninth.
 

Intel soldiers cite moral reasons for refusal to serve in Palestinian territories

Dozens of reserve soldiers from an elite Israeli intelligence unit publicly declared on Friday that they refused to operate in the Palestinian territories, citing moral reasons.

Soldiers from Unit 8200 - Israel's equivalent of the eavesdropping, code-breaking US National Security Agency - aired their grievances in the Yediot Ahronot daily newspaper after sending a letter to the military chief of staff and the prime minister.

"We veterans of Unit 8200, reservists past and present, declare that we refuse to take part in activity against Palestinians and refuse to be tools to deepen the military control in the occupied territories," the soldiers wrote.

The 43 soldiers, including some officers, allege that some of their unit's intelligence work prevents Palestinians from leading "normal lives" and only serves to prolong the conflict.

An anonymous soldier told Yediot Ahronot that information gathered on a Palestinian's personal life or health issues could be used against him for intelligence purposes.

Israel has long relied on a network of Palestinian informers in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, who help target militants and tip off security services to imminent attacks.

Informers are often recruited through blackmail, the lure of travel permits and money.

The soldiers emphasised that their refusal to serve applies to Palestinian areas only.

Israeli Defence Minister, Moshe Yaalon, called the letter "a despicable attempt which assists the delegitimisation of Israel and the soldiers of the Israeli army."

A spokesman for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu refused to comment.

Soldiers have refused to operate in the Palestinian territories in the past, citing similar reasons. But this is the first time a large group from this elite unit has done so.

Head of Syrian National Coalition announces restructuring of Free Syrian Army forces

The Head of the Western-backed Syrian National Coalition said on Sunday that the Free Syrian Army was to be restructured.

Hadi al Bahra was in the United Arab Emirates seeking support for the group's war-battered rebel fighters.

He met with the UAE's Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Anwar Gargash.

Bahra said the restructuring of the Free Syrian Army will "by itself will improve their activities and it will improve the results they are achieving on the ground."

The Free Syrian Army has been marred by defections and divisions.

Its fighters are engaged in a two-front war against Islamic State fighters and Syrian President Bashar Assad's forces.

The UAE has expressed its willingness to join an international coalition against the Islamic State group.

U.S. officials said last week that Saudi Arabia would help train moderate Syrian rebels at Saudi bases.

It remains unclear how the Syrian opposition movement intends to carry out its new plan, but Bahri vowed the group is committed to toppling Assad's regime and expelling foreign militants from Syria.

Children take part in procession honouring religious painting that survived quake

Hundreds of children and teenagers on Sunday participated in the annual procession of the Lord of the Miracles in the historic centre in the Peruvian capital, Lima.

The Lord of Miracles is a 17th century painting of Christ on the cross that survived a massive earthquake in the 18th century, which destroyed most of the city, yet left the painting intact.

It is therefore it is considered miraculous by many.

The participants wore purple robes and carried the painting around the historic centre.

Twelve-year-old Ymar Martines who took part in the procession said: "About 800 children participated in the procession of the Lord of the Miracles of the Nazarenes. We do this to worship him, and come together as a family."

The procession commemorates the 363th anniversary of the founding of the Brotherhood of the Lord of Miracles whose mission it is to look after the painting.

One young boy could be seeing carrying a banner with the Brotherhood's insignia.

Musicians and young girls holding incense burners, known as sahumadoras, also took part in the procession.

Participants and members of the public gathered for prayers in Lima's cathedral.

Ukrainian troops and Russian-backed rebel forces exchange prisoners

Ukrainian troops and pro-Russian rebels on Sunday each swapped 73 prisoners who had been captured in eastern Ukraine.

The prisoner swap took place 20 kilometres (12.4 miles) north of Donetsk, with members of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) in attendance.

"We were surrounded. We had to surrender. We were told: 'Surrender, or in half-an-hour everything will be destroyed here.' So we had to surrender," said one captured Ukrainian soldier.

The conflict in eastern Ukraine has been raging since mid-April, claiming more than 3,000 lives, according to the UN. Hundreds of thousands of people have fled from the fighting.

A ceasefire deal signed on 5 September has been riddled by violations from the start, and both sides have made it clear that they are regrouping and rearming in case the fighting starts anew.

Social Democrats leader declares victory, tells party he will try and form government

Swedish Social Democrat leader Stefan Lofven has declared victory in the Swedish elections on Monday.

"I am ready to explore the possibilities of forming a new government for Sweden," he told cheering supporters at an election night party in central Stockholm.

He added that he had started negotiations with the Green Party - "our natural coalition partner" - and that he would consider "cooperating with other democratic parties that want to take responsibility for Sweden."

The centre-left coalition will not hold enough seats to form a majority government, but will have to rely on centrist parties for support.

Unless he's able to recruit one of the centre-right parties in ex-Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt's Alliance, he could face a situation where the anti-immigration Sweden Democrats, and the Alliance jointly strike down key proposals.

Sweden Democrats party more than doubled its support to 13 percent, leaving it with the balance of power in Parliament.

"We are now Sweden's third biggest party," Sweden Democrats leader Jimmie Akesson told jubilant supporters.

The once radical far-right party entered Parliament four years ago with 5.7 percent support.

The result marks the end of an eight-year era of tax cuts and pro-market policies under Reinfeldt, who said he would also resign as leader of the conservative party.

Cricketer Mohammad Amir gets married

Pakistan left arm-bowler Mohammad Amir gets married to a British born Pakistani Nargis. The Nikkah ceremony took place in Lahore. Only close friends and family members attended the ceremony.

According to family and express news, the formal reception will take place after two years.

UK Julien MacDonald

The Royal Opera House in London was the location where uber glam Welsh designer Julien MacDonald showed his mermaid inspired collection on Saturday. (13 SEPT. 2014)

His skintight, appliquéd body con dresses sparkled with tiny crystals and his pièce de résistance bridal dress with diamonds.

"My inspiration for this show was all about a mermaid that swims in the ocean, covered in flowers, tropical fish and surrounded by buried treasure. When she's in the ocean she sings to lure a man into the ocean and to fall in love." explains the designer in fashionese.

"She ends up with a tattooed man, a gorgeous man covered in tattoos. They've fallen in love and it's all about underwater love, romance, sparkle and glamour. Something all women dream of is true happiness and eternal love."

That love will surely be inspired cheeky short baby doll frilly mini dresses and a bridal gown worth millions of pounds.

More than 170 designers will be showcased during London Fashion Week, including Vivienne Westwood, Tom Ford and Paul Smith.




The pie

Hunter fashion show attracts the McCartney family

Rubber boots and glamour don't generally mix _ but they do at London Fashion Week.
The brand, which has only recently branched out into clothing, packed in the crowds with a fun and slick display of sporty casualwear at a disused indoor pool.
There was no swimming, but a giant video backdrop simulating turquoise waters, complete with floating submarines and cartoon sharks, made up for it.
The show was held up for about half an hour by the VIPs - celebrity father-and-daughter duo Paul and Stella McCartney arrived late, causing a stir as they squeezed in the front row next to pop star Rita Ora and Vogue editor Anna Wintour.
The brand is headed by Stella McCartney's husband Alasdhair Willis.
Boots, of course, featured prominently. Signature wellies, worn by both male and female models, came with buckles and were printed in eye-catching color blocks. There were also flat sandals and army boots, some with chunky platform heels.
Models sported rain jackets, parkas, shorts and culottes - many in low-key military greens and browns, though outfits in bright turquoise, lavender and graphic stripes provided a burst of color and style.
The McCartneys didn't draw attention to themselves, probably not wishing to upstage the show. The former Beatle appeared cheerful, posing with his daughter and smiling mischievously for the cameras.
Did he like the show? "Terrific," he said with a grin, before being whisked away by his security guards.

Nasir Mazhar shows cool club kid inspired collection

With a background in theatrical hat making, 'Fashion Forward' Nasir Mazhar showed his innovative and eclectic street-style collection influenced by sports, hip hop and animal print at London Fashion Week ( Sept,13 2014 )

His models were fit and sporty and walked the walk white black and red trainers, the main colors of the collection, with a bit of gold thrown in for glamor. There were metal spiky hat like creations and the signature


Wrap around skirts, shell suits, much black and red with sports bra inspired tops, with the label name printed big on the front this is a concrete jungle vibe.