All Security Watch
- Iran is gearing up for elections and it isn't pretty
The arrest of at least 10 reporters since the turn of the year and new Internet restrictions point to a battening down of social control ahead of Iran's March elections.
- Suicide car bombing in Baghdad underscores spike in Iraq violence
A suicide car bombing at a Baghdad funeral procession comes amid growing questions about the ability of Iraq security forces to contain violence that has killed more than 200 since last month.
- Egypt bars Americans from leaving: What's going on here?
Egypt's military rulers escalated a dispute over US-funded NGOs by barring some American employees from leaving the country, including the son of Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood.
- SEAL Team 6: Somalia rescue illustrates new US military strategy
The Obama administration has spoken of the need for a 'smaller, more agile' military. Covert operations such as the one that rescued two aid workers in Somalia are part of that strategy.
- No jail for marine? Haditha massacre verdict stuns Iraqis.
Staff Sgt. Frank Wuterich will receive only a demotion to the rank of private for involvement in the 2005 killings of 24 Iraqi civilians in Haditha.
- With little to show in Syria, Arab League turns to UN
The Arab League wants to raise Syria's violent crisis at the United Nations – but it faces Russian reluctance.
- In first month after US exit, Iraq's sectarian clashes have killed 170
A series of bombings hit Baghdad today, killing 14. The violence in Iraq has claimed 170 lives already this year.
- Yemen's President Saleh departs for US, apparently ending his rule
President Ali Abdullah Saleh's departure from Yemen probably marks the end of his 33 years in power, but questions are being raised about Washington's decision to take in the strongman.
- Nigeria tense after Islamists kill at least 178
A spokesman for the Islamist group Boko Haram claimed responsibility for Friday's attacks in the northern Nigeria city of Kano.
- How France's threat to pull out of Afghanistan could impact NATO
In a tough day for NATO troops in Afghanistan, a man in an Afghan military uniform kills four French troops and a helicopter accident costs other NATO troops' lives.
- Israel says ... Iran isn't building a nuclear weapon
If Israeli media reports are correct, Israel shares the US and European views of Iran: That it isn't seeking a nuclear weapon at the moment.
- Despite rhetoric, Iran and US appear to be trying to restart Iran nuclear talks
Iranian Foreign Minister Salehi said that Tehran is willing to return to talks on Iran's nuclear program and that discussions have already begun about a date and location.
- Russia pressures Syria to extend Arab League observer mission
The Arab League observer mission to Syria officially ends tomorrow. Many have dismissed it as ineffective, but it may be the only alternative to UN action, which Russia has blocked.
- Israel, US postpone missile-defense drill to avoid provoking Iran
The missile-defense drill had been trumpeted as showing US commitment to Israel's security. Some Israeli officials criticize President Obama for excessive caution in an election year.
- Northern Iraq bomb follows a deadly Iraqi weekend
A bomb killed eight people near the northern Iraqi city of Mosul today following a deadly weekend that raised concerns that sectarian tensions are on the rise once again.
- Arab troops to Syria? Qatar makes a bold proposal.
• A daily summary of global reports on security issues.
- Iran nuclear talks: Tehran says it's ready, despite assassination.
Tehran said it is ready to resume Iran nuclear talks with international powers after more than a year-long break. But it has yet to formally respond to an EU request to return to the table.
- Marines urinating on the dead? This is war.
The video of US marines urinating on dead Taliban fighters has shocked many. But the dehumanizing of the enemy was much worse back in the day.
- US issues direct warning to Iran: close the Strait of Hormuz, risk military action
The US reportedly used a secret channel to convey to Iran more forcefully that closing the Strait of Hormuz would provoke a military response.
- Are the assassinations of Iranian scientists an act of terrorism?
Iran has many capable engineers, and none of the victims appear to have had indispensable knowledge. But spreading fear among the living can slow them down and deter young recruits.