The war in the Middle East is reportedly affecting US-headquartered international corporations as at least two of the country's biggest restaurant chains saw sales figures impacted by political boycotts last year.

On Wednesday, the Paris-based United Nations heritage body UNESCO voted to add the "artisanal know-how and culture of baguette bread" to its list of "Intangible Cultural Heritage," which includes 600 traditions that span more than 130 countries.