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US journalist released from Syria 'overwhelmed with emotion'

A US journalist released earlier this week after almost two years of imprisonment in Syria said he was "overwhelmed with emotion" because of the attention he has received upon returning home.

Peter Theo Curtis, 45, was captured in 2012 by Nusra Front and was only released on Sunday.

He said: "I suddenly remember how good the American people are, and what kindness they have in their hearts."

Meanwhile, Douglas McAuthur McCain, 33, who is suspected of fighting with Islamic State militants operating in Iraq and Syria, has been killed in the Middle East, a US security official has said.

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Syrian govt 'must be involved in air strikes against IS'

The Syrian government must be involved in coordinating any air strikes against Islamist militants in Syria, a government minister said.

Foreign minister Walid al-Moualem said his country was ready to cooperate with international and regional efforts to fight Islamic State (IS), but insisted intelligence must be shared with Syria.

Asked if Syria was ready to cooperate with the United States and Britain, he said: "They are welcome."

The United States has suggested it is considering targeting IS fighters based in Syria.

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