* Syria war: Cessation of hostilities comes into effect A cessation of hostilities has come into effect in Syria, although it is unclear how widely it will be observed.
* Obama hands Syria over to Putin The Syrian cease-fire agreement that US Secretary of State John Kerry and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov announced Friday night, September 9, in Geneva hands Syrian affairs over to Russia's President Vladimir Putin and the country's military.
* On this day, December 7, 1956 This war has gone on for a very long time, and today, in all the reminiscences, and eulogies, and encomia, and lamentations, virtually no one has explained why, for the simple reason that essentially no one among the political and media elites knows why.
* China, Russia set to stage military drills in S. China Sea China and Russia were to start war games in the South China Sea on Monday, Beijing's defence ministry said, in a show of force after an international tribunal invalidated the Asian giant's extensive claims in the area.
* US military: Iranian behavior getting worse in Persian Gulf Iran has stepped up its harassment of U.S. Navy ships in the Persian Gulf, angering the U.S. military and members of Congress.
* 'Facebook removed 95% of terror incitement requested by Israel' Ministers Shaked and Erdan and execs from social media giant agree to form task force to fight online incitement - but option of passing a law forcing social networks' hand is till on table.
* Analysis: Long-term prospect for Syria remains bleak Leading Israeli analysts are not optimistic that the cease-fire will hold over the long run or lead to a peaceful political settlement of the war.
* Turkey army chief vows to press on with Syria operation Offensive against Islamic State and Kurdish forces to continue until borders secured and 'all terrorists' routed.
* France and Germany propose EU 'defence union' Germany and France have drawn up plans for closer EU defence cooperation, including a new military HQ and swifter deployment of overseas missions.
* Under tight security, hajj pilgrims return to scene of deadly stampede A year after an estimated 2,300 worshippers were killed, safety measures enforced at site near Mecca.