He looks downwards and shakes his head in response to my question, "What do you hope for?"

Once the stronghold of Muammar Gaddafi, the coastal town of Sirte has now been transformed into a symbol of the insidious rise of the self-proclaimed Islamic State in Libya.

77: Father James Joseph McMenamin served selflessly and paid the ultimate sacrifice as a Catholic chaplain to the Armed Forces in the Great War.

The Independent investigates how Isis jihadis govern every aspect of life within the territories they control.

'The scenes terrified me': Meet the former jihadi who deserted Isis rather than take part in executions, beheadings and rape.

76: Charlie Savory was one tough rooster. He had a reputation for never taking a backward step in not one, but two, rugby codes.

Police have apologised to the families of three London girls who flew to Turkey to join Isis (Islamic State) in Syria after it emerged that officers failed to alert them that a schoolfriend of the trio had left to join the militants.

75: It was late in the day before New Zealand appointed war artists to document the conflict.

It is spring in Tokyo, but Toshiko Takagi cannot bear to see office workers sitting beneath cherry blossom in the parks that dot the Sumida district where she lives.

The Nigerian militant group Boko Haram has announced it is joining Isis by apparently releasing an audio statement swearing allegiance.

The Protected Objects Act plays an important role in safeguarding this country's heritage. But there will be times when the ministry should not be straitjacketed by the act.

The bravery of 14 NZ soldiers awarded the Victoria Cross during WWI have been commemorated by the UK government.

Labour is calling on the Government to buy the war medals of Kiwi “Dambusters” veteran Les Munro to keep them in New Zealand.

73: A legacy of New Zealand's wartime presence in England is still visible on the Salisbury Plains.

Les Munro's World War II medals could prove a visual inspiration and reminder to all young New Zealanders of the stuff that real heroes are made of, writes Peter Bromhead.

'It's not every day you get a note on behalf of the Russian President, Vladimir Putin.' Service medal arrives for brave Stan.

A protector of New Zealand heritage has stepped into the plans of Kiwi "Dambusters" veteran Les Munro to auction his war medals.

Prime Minister John Key says he is not aware of any suspected war criminals from the former Yugoslavia in New Zealand but says "I'm sure someone will look into it".

A Palestinian family of six sleep in one bedroom in a cramped, damp and mouldy three-room home.

Somehow the word 'American' makes it not only acceptable but epic, admirable, even glorious and certainly ordained by a Christian God, especially given that Clint Eastwood directed.

Prime Minister John Key says he is not aware of any suspected war criminals from the former Yugoslavia in New Zealand.

Labour leader Andrew Little told Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott in their private meeting that Australia's air strikes against Isis in Iraq make sense.

As many as one million people could flee Mosul in northern Iraq if the Iraqi Army, backed by US air strikes, seeks to recapture the city this year, aid agencies have said.

72: An illustrious New Zealand sportsman, winner of four Wimbledon singles titles, a dashing figure who was dating an American silent screen star, killed by a hit from a "Jack Johnson".

If the PM handed me a gun and asked me to ship out to the Middle East to do my duty for this great land, I know exactly what I would do, writes Matt Heath.

"Jihadi John" was able to flee the scrutiny of the security services despite being a member of a terrorist cell known to have links to the failed 21/7 attacks on London in 2005.

New Zealand troops are preparing for a two-year tour in Iraq to help the fight against Islamic State. This is what they are up against.

Bad news, peaceniks. If you oppose the deployment of NZ troops to Iraq, you are gutless, a coward, at least in the estimation of the Prime Minister, writes Toby Manhire.