World | Security Watch | Reality Check
Germany's military doesn't just choose not to act. It can't act.Berlin's reluctance to act militarily on moral grounds is well known. But over the past week, a series of investigations and the release of a confidential government report have shown that the German military is in a sorry state.
Behind Assad's victory boasts, a recalibration of success in SyriaWith the help of its allies, the Syrian Army has regained critical territory from armed rebels. But talk of victory obscures the fact that parts of the country may be irretrievable.
Israeli Defense Minister: US trumped at 'Persian bazaar'Israeli Defense Minister Moshe Yaalon says Israel is on its own in facing the threat from Iran. Previously, he opposed a unilateral Israeli strike.
Libya is not on the verge of bankruptcyLibya's government depends on oil revenue, which has slowed precipitously since militiamen took over the oil fields last summer. But there's no need to panic (yet).
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Is 'secret immunity' for IRA suspects really to blame for new N. Ireland controversy?British and unionist Northern Irish officials expressed dismay over the collapse of an IRA bombing trial in London over a letter informing the suspect he was not to be tried.
Will Mexico's capture of 'El Chapo' improve security?One cartel king behind bars is reason to celebrate. But the outlook is complicated.
Would Western aid to Ukraine be a setback?Conditions attached to the offer could place Ukraine once again at the center of tug-a-war between the West and Russia.
Tactical retreat? Obama dodges 'dismantlement' in State of the Union Iran commentsThe Obama administration had previously used 'dismantle' to describe a final deal on Iran's nuclear program, but this went down badly with Iran. Obama said he would veto any new sanctions.
Why Pakistani air strikes on Taliban targets not a gamechangerPakistan's military has responded to Taliban attacks with air strikes in the tribal belt near the Afghan border. But it lacks a comprehensive strategy for combating the militant group.
Desperate for peace, Syrian rebels tear up playbookThe Syrian opposition group's charter forbid direct contact with the Assad regime. Now it's trading accusations face-to-face at peace talks in Switzerland.
Iran nuclear deal: It's the hurdles, not the pact, that matterThe agreement reached Sunday between Iran and world powers merely formalizes the November Geneva accord. But it's notable that they defied fierce US congressional opposition.
Ample aid for Philippine typhoon survivors?Emergency relief aid poured in immediately after Typhoon Haiyan hit the Philippines. But as the UN turns to long-term recovery, there is little money floating around.
US Marines cleared to land on Okinawa landfill? Not so fastRelocating US Marines on the Japanese island is a political hot potato that has been tossed before.
Restraint, not retaliation, after Israeli fatality on Lebanon borderUN peacekeepers are talking to military representatives on both sides of the border after the first fatality in three years.
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