The Algerian government said Tuesday it was taking dramatic steps to secure the release of diplomats kidnapped in northern Mali. Algerian diplomats were kidnapped by al-Qaida allies who seized territory in northern Mali following a coup in Bamako in 2012.

Islamic militants have shelled the largest town in the north of Mali. It was the first such attack in months, following the French-led military operation to drive them out of the area. Two houses in the town of Gao were hit and at least one Malian soldier was wounded as …

Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Tuesday that Syria was “very actively” cooperating with chemical weapons inspectors and suggested that Indonesia join international peace talks on the crisis. “Doubts about whether the Syrian leadership would adequately respond to the