Astana Joint Statement affirms commitment to preserving Syria as independent and democratic state

The final Joint Statement of Astana meeting affirmed commitment to the sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity of the Syrian Arab Republic as a multi-ethic, multi-religious, non-sectarian and democratic state.

German interior minister calls for partial burqa ban

German Interior Minister Thomas de Maiziere came out Friday in favour of a partial burqa ban amid a fierce national debate on integration.

ASIO: Australians killed in fighting for extremists in Iraq, Syria.(60 Australians fighting with the ISIS)

Australian spy agency ASIO said Wednesday that 15 Australians have been killed fighting for Islamic extremists in the Iraq and Syrian conflicts.

ASIO Director General David Irvine told reporters that two of those killed were young suicide bombers.

Irvine said there was an estimated 60 Australians fighting with the Islamic State, and another 100 people supporting the two groups were from Australia.