All Backchannels
Plenty of reason to doubt all involved in latest Snowden 'scoop'The Sunday Times says Edward Snowden's files are in the hands of Russian and Chinese officials. The former NSA contractor's defenders say they couldn't be. Neither side is convincing.
In Syria, Al Qaeda affiliate reportedly slaughters minority DruzeThe group's claims that it wouldn't treat religious minorities in Syria savagely if it comes to power aren't holding up in reality.
Another surge? Futile without first reforming Iraq, US Army chief says.Gen. Ray Odierno said in an interview aired today that a massive US military effort in Iraq would defeat the Islamic State – and leave them hanging unless Iraqi politicians changed course.
Obama sending more troops to Iraq. But is Iraq really ready for them?There are troubling signs that training efforts in Iraq haven't been going well. And a lack of US manpower doesn't appear to be the reason.
Egypt foils suicide attack on Luxor, but is it a sign of more to come?Egypt's tourism has taken a beating in recent years, and the attack at Luxor's Karnak temple complex, one of its most famous archeological sites, won't help.
How Egypt's democratic uprising gave way to enduring repressionAfter years of revolt and turmoil, Egypt is in a period of historic oppression. And world powers like the United States are pretty much OK with that.
After 12 years of US setbacks, Obama joins the search for an Iraq strategyAmerica has been groping for a successful strategy in Iraq for more than a decade, but the realities on the ground keep getting in the way.
Al Qaeda in Syria becoming an ever more prominent part of the rebellionThe so-called Islamic State may be getting most of the headlines. But there's another rebel group on the move in Syria, one that works with the US-backed Free Syrian Army, that is also cause for concern.
What does the Justice Dept. have on FIFA? A deep dive into the indictment.Here are five key takeaways from the allegations that US prosecutors hope will send some of the world's most powerful and wealthy soccer officials to jail.
FIFA scandal: Could host Qatar forfeit the 2022 World Cup?As the story unfolds, anything is possible. But for now, embattled FIFA President Sepp Blatter and his allies are circling the wagons.
Will Blatter wriggle out again (and other questions about the FIFA corruption investigation)?The nine current and former FIFA officials arrested today could be the tip of the iceberg.
Does Iraq's military have the 'will to fight?' Its sectarian militias certainly do.With the fall of Ramadi, the 'new' Iraqi Army continues to crumble. In its place sectarian militias are coming to the fore.
Ramadi battle: Why defeat could prove a hammer blow for anti-IS strategyBaghdad's war against the Islamic State does not appear to be going as well as US officials have led many to believe.
Why the risky raid to get 'Abu Sayyaf' in Syria? Who was he?We don't know and we don't know appear to be the two answers.
Seymour Hersh and the 'truth' behind the Osama bin Laden raidSadly only speculation, much of it making little sense, and unnamed sources who wouldn't seem to be in a position to know.
Did leading UK politician edit his Wikipedia page? Possibly, but the problem goes deeper.The rules and culture of Wikipedia make editing with a political agenda easy.
Saudi calls time on Yemen bombing campaign: Time for politics?Saudi Arabia announced Tuesday it was suspending its air offensive against Houthi rebels in Yemen, dropping its 'Decisive Storm' campaign and pivoting to 'Restoring Hope.'
How the fall of Qaddafi gave rise to Europe's migrant crisisUnder Qaddafi, Libya worked closely with Europe to harshly stem the flow of migrants across the Mediterranean. But the country's chaos has upended that.
Most senior Baathist general to evade US in Iraq reported killed. Does it matter?Douri was the King of Clubs in the playing cards that the US distributed as its most-wanted list after invading Iraq and had linked up with the Islamic State.
Time outdid itself with its '100 Most Influential People' listAnd not in a good way.
