The nominations must still be confirmed by the US Senate.

Merger is significant as ISIL will take control of both sides of the border; Albu Kamal in Syria and Al-Qaim in Iraq.

Some 75 prisoners were on hunger strike when the deal was reached, according to the Israel Prisons Service (IPS).

Details of the value of the deal or of any conditions have not been given as yet.

Known by many for his role in 'The Good, the Bad and the Ugly', Wallach appeared in more than 80 films.

25 pigs mill around in open pens on tiny farm in Iowa. They are fat, robust and being raised to taste of rye whiskey.

About 100 Taliban killed in clashes that erupted as Afghanistan wrestled with crisis over alleged fraud in election.

Cheney believes Obama never meant to leave troops in Iraq, his decision to withdraw led to current instability.

Proposals by Buddhist monks to criminalise inter-faith marriage face strong opposition from women's rights groups.

Explosive devices were "very primary" and of "low intensity," police official says.