RussiaToday-Video-News-World:Christian village Maalula falls into jihadists' hands as Al-Qaeda grows in Syria

Inside Syria, the number of Al-Qaeda-linked extremists within the opposition ranks is reportedly growing. And they're not just fighting government troops but also their former rebel allies, with the fiercest battles taking place near the Turkish border. Civilians are also suffering with the ancient Christian village of Maalula just one area to fall into the hands of jihadists. RT's correspondent in Syria Maria Finoshina reports.



Venezuela's President has accused the U.S. of refusing to provide visas for a delegation going to the UN next week. Nicolas Maduro was also apparently refused permission to fly through American airspace to get to China. Venezuela's Foreign Ministry said these incidents were an act of aggression and a violation of international law. RT's Marina Portnaya reports.


Iranian President Hassan Rouhani has pledged a completely peaceful nuclear future for his country. The statement has been generally welcomed by the international community, and is seen as a step by Tehran towards a more moderate stance on the global political arena.To get more on the story let's talk to Jamal Abdi, the Policy Director of the National Iranian American Council