The New York Times has slammed the US government for making an "inexplicable decision" to not apply standard Pentagon regulations for weapons transfers in the Iraq war.

CNN: Highlights from the world's press

During his visit to Moscow on Tuesday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly discussed the issue with Mr Putin, while Israeli jets have carried out strikes on Syrian targets to block alleged transfers of weapons to Hezbollah.

BBC: Syria crisis: Russia 'sends sophisticated weapons'

Jordan, too, is worried about transfers of Syrian chemical weapons.

NPR: Israeli Focus On Syria Gives Hagel Respite On Iran

The Scotland Bill, presently before Westminster, transfers new powers to Holyrood such as control over national speed limits and air weapons.

BBC: Beware of Greeks bearing gifts

As a first step, which would underpin any political process, rather than encouraging the transfer of more weapons to Syria, governments could use their influence to secure a halt to international arms transfers from all governments to any warring party in Syria.

CNN: Syrian arms embargo: Why more weapons to Syria is a mistake

Officers say scammers are making thousands of dollars a week from wire transfers to the island, and that cash is now being used to buy expensive high-calibre weapons that are helping to fuel the violence that has seen more than 1, 200 people killed since the start of the year.

BBC: Lotto scam 'fuels Jamaica crime'