Isis in Iraq: Roughly 3,500 held in slavery according to UN

An estimated 3,500 people, mainly women and children, are believed to be held as slaves in Iraq by Islamic State (Isis) militants who impose a harsh rule marked by gruesome public executions, the United Nations said on 19 January. The militant group, which also controls large parts of neighbouring Syria, is also responsible for over 18,000 deaths in Iraq since January 2014, according to the report. But despite the high numbers the true figures are likely to be much higher, according to a UNHCR spokesperson. Jan 19, 2016

Donald Trump debate: Presidential candidate called ‘buffoon’ and ‘wazzock’ by British MPs

US Republican presidential frontrunner Donald Trump was called all manner of names by British MPs on 18 January, during a heated debate on whether to ban him from entering the UK. The unusual debate which saw Trump called a buffoon and bonkers was triggered by a petition signed by more than half a million people calling for him to be barred from Britain after he said Muslims should not be allowed to enter the United States. Jan 19, 2016