All Security Watch
- If Jordanian pilot is still alive, will the Islamic State even release him?
The situation looks grim for a Jordanian pilot and a Japanese journalist who the Islamic State are trying to use to gain the release of a woman who helped murder 58 people in Amman in 2005.
- Gorbachev: Ukraine could explode into 'hot war' between Russia and the West
Mikhail Gorbachev, the former Soviet leader, said the West was 'dragging' Russia into confrontation.
- Jordan would swap a mass murderer for its ISIS-held pilot. Is that a mistake?
Not necessarily.
- Jordan ready to swap terrorist for pilot held by Islamic State
The announcement from Amman came just ahead of an IS deadline to kill a captured Jordanian pilot if a sought-after suicide bomber is not released. The fate of a Japanese journalist held under threat by IS remains uncertain.
- Tsipras vs. Merkel on Greek debt: Unstoppable mandate faces immovable stance?
Greece's economic pain propelled its new left-wing prime minister to power, and early signs are he'll push Angela Merkel and the rest of Europe hard on debt forgiveness and a curtailment of the country's austerity program.
- Philippines bloodbath: was one of last major Jemaah Islamiyah leaders killed?
And if he was, what does it mean?
- Gunmen storm luxury hotel in Tripoli, a day after Geneva talks
Gunmen attacked the hotel lobby and a car exploded shortly afterward in the hotel parking lot. At least eight people were killed in the armed assault.
- The liberation of Kobane and other signs of trouble for the Islamic State
The self-styled Islamic State is losing key battles on the ground in Iraq and Syria and in the propaganda wars as well. A Kurdish victory in Kobane would be a stinging blow.
- Russia threatened with new sanctions as Ukraine conflict intensifies
Dozens of civilians and at least seven Ukrainian soldiers died over the weekend amid a new wave of violence in eastern Ukraine. Western leaders have once again accused Moscow of supplying troops and weapons to the pro-Russian rebels.
- After Abdullah, a new Saudi king, but little prospect for change
There may be economic and political rivalries within the dynasty. But its collective interest is in keeping the oil-rich nation on its longstanding course.
- In post-Snowden era, NSA maintains surprisingly favorable image
But that doesn't mean it's popular. A Pew poll released today found that the only federal agency less well-liked among Americans was the Internal Revenue Service.
- Ukraine rebels take back Donetsk airport, as new peace talks loom
Donetsk has seen a surge in fighting, both in the city and around its nearby airport, amid Western accusations that Russia has begun sending troops into Ukraine again.
- Death of Argentine prosecutor - what we know and don't know
Prosecutor Nisman died of a gunshot wound on Sunday. He was scheduled the next day to make the case that President Kirchner was involved in a cover-up of Iranian involvement in a 1994 terrorist attack in Buenos Aires.
- Houthis tighten grip on Yemen's capital. What's behind their surge?
The Shiite militia has taken charge of Sanaa, but has stopped short of formally toppling Yemen's government. President Hadi's whereabouts are unknown.
- Obama's State of the Union address: foreign policy highlights
Oil and Iraq – and Iran, about which Obama issued a rare red line in his largely domestically focused speech.
- Yemen's almost coup a sign of more trouble to come
A Houthi rebel leader stopped short of deposing his rival after his forces sacked the presidential palace today in Yemen's capital.
- Islamic State demands $200 million cash for two Japanese hostages
Its new hostage video calls on Japan, whose prime minister is touring the Middle East, to ends its 'foolish' support of the US-led campaign against Islamic State, and marks the first time the group has demanded cash in a video.
- Yemen unrest: What it could mean for US ally against Al Qaeda
Over the past year, Houthi rebels have expanded their sphere of territory, seizing Yemen's capital last September and clashing with government forces today. The upheaval has thrown the already fragile country – and key US ally against Al Qaeda – into chaos.
- Egypt's President Sisi declares freedom of speech sacrosanct
Meanwhile, protesters, journalists, and political opponents continue to go to jail.
- It's 'melting': A window on Pentagon construction spending in Afghanistan
Building a replica of an Afghan village, with Afghan construction workers and Afghan materials, proved too tough a task.