A French MP sparks a debate about the use of electronic devices in parliament in France after being photographed playing online Scrabble on his tablet.

The US tightens existing sanctions on Iran - targeting oil revenue and media - over its alleged nuclear weapons programme.

Fierce fighting breaks out between rebels and pro-government troops in the Syrian capital, as bombings hit a central town and peace talk hopes fade.

The Chilean navy investigates allegations of xenophobia after a video apparently showed marines chanting they would "kill Argentines".

A year-long inquiry finds widespread use of banned drugs in Australian sport, with links to organised crime and possible match-fixing.

A US regulator says it may take "weeks" for it to complete its probe into battery problems that hit two of Boeing's 787 Dreamliner planes.

Hamas leader Khaled Meshaal tells the BBC he is in talks with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas about forming a national unity government.

Failed bank IBRC, formerly Anglo Irish, is set to be liquidated as part of a deal to ease the Irish government's huge debt burden.