* On its anniversary, Hamas vows to 'keep its weapon directed at the Israeli occupation only' Marking the 28th anniversary of its founding, Hamas vows to "continue resistance and steadfastness until almighty Allah grants us triumph."
* Iran Taking Over Latin America During the last couple months, Iran and Saudi Arabia have been playing a political tug of war over Latin America.
* Islamic State declares war against Saudi Arabia After formation of 34-state coalition against ISIS led by Saudi, the terror organization releases video purporting to show execution of 'Saudi collaborator,' warning the kingdom of cooperating with the 'Crusaders.'
* Islamic State expands Afghan footprint with terror campaign Head of US troops in Afghanistan says IS loyalists are trying to consolidate links to the 'caliphate' in Syria, Iraq.
* Israel and Turkey move closer to reconciliation, normalized relations Earlier this week, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that his country stood to benefit from restored relations with Israel.
* Iran's military chief attacks idea of council to replace supreme leader Registration opened on Thursday for February's election of the Assembly of Experts, the clerical body that appoints the supreme leader.
* Syria war: US welcomes 'milestone' as UN endorses peace plan A UN plan for Syria is a "milestone" in the efforts to end the conflict there, says US Secretary of State John Kerry.
* UN recognizes Yom Kippur as an official holiday Long Israeli diplomatic effort results in UN decision to recognize Day of Atonement as an official holiday.
* Assad: With terrorist support cut, Syrian war would be over in year The four-year armed conflict in Syria could be wrapped up in less than a year, if foreign aid to terrorist groups were cut in earnest, Syrian President Bashar Assad told the Dutch media ahead of peace talks in New York.
* "One Christian Slaughtered Every Five Minutes" Throughout September, as more Christians were slaughtered and persecuted for their religion -- not just by the Islamic State but by "everyday" Muslims from all around the world -- increasing numbers of people and organizations called for action.