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Baghdad, Iraq

Pro-democracy protesters in Hong Kong are threatening to take over several government buildings if the territory's Beijing-friendly chief executive does not resign Thursday.

White House officials are condemning Israel's plans to go ahead with construction in East Jerusalem, saying the move poisons the atmosphere for peace. The statements came after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with President Barack Obama in the Oval Office Wednesday.

Iraqi President Fouad Maasum said the barbarity of the militants who have taken control of one-third of Iraq and a part of Syria has served to unite previously divided factions in the region. In a recent interview during his stay in New York, Maasum told VOA that Islamic State is losing the support of Sunni Muslims, which the militants enjoyed at the start of their campaign. He said Iraq's neighbors have pledged their support to Baghdad's effort to defeat the terrorist group.

“Double vehicle-borne bombing close to Akrama Al Makhzomi Elementary School in the Akrama neighbourhood of Homs city was a despicable act against innocent children.

High Commissioner for Refugees António Guterres.

Hong Kong officials on Wednesday held ceremonies marking the 65th anniversary of the founding of communist China as city leaders remain locked in a standoff with protesters demanding greater democratic reforms.

Kurdish fighters battling Islamic State militants have retaken a key border crossing between northern Iraq and Syria.

Afghanistan has signed long-delayed security pacts with the United States and NATO to authorize deployment of a small international military force in the country after the end of the year. The Taliban has rejected the deal as “shameful and shocking.”

Syrian refugee children draw pictures in the children's activity tent at Islahiye refugee camp in the Hatay region of Turkey. (July 2012).