Rare visit reveals ‘brutal’ IS
A German author who spent time in Islamic State territory tells the BBC the group is stronger, more brutal and harder to confront than he expected. BBC News – Middle East
Craig Taylor
Bin lorry crash appeal fund launched
An appeal fund for the victims of the Glasgow bin lorry crash will open later as the city continues to come to terms with the tragedy. BBC News – UK
Ukraine votes to drop neutral status
Ukraine’s parliament votes to drop the country’s non-aligned status and work towards Nato membership, a move quickly criticised by Russia. BBC News – Europe
US cinemas to screen The Interview
A number of cinemas in the US say they will screen Sony film The Interview on Christmas Day. BBC News – US & Canada
Algerian army ‘kills top jihadist’
Algeria’s defence ministry says troops have killed the leader of a jihadist militant group which kidnapped and beheaded a French tourist. BBC News – Africa
Spanish princess to face fraud trial
The Spanish king’s sister, Princess Cristina, is to face a tax fraud trial over alleged links to her husband’s dealings. BBC News – Europe