All Security Watch
- Ukraine walks back cease-fire announcement after Moscow says no deal was reached
A phone call between Ukrainian and Russian heads of state yields no breakthrough. NATO talks in Wales are expected to focus on the eastern Ukraine conflict and alleged Russian intervention there.
- Sotloff murder sparks outrage and condemnation, but should it drive policy?
The self-declared Islamic State has released a video showing the beheading of a second US journalist. The US has few easy options to navigate a complex, multi-front war in Iraq and Syria.
- US attempts to kill Al Shabab leader in Somalia
It's not yet clear whether the US air strike killed Al Shabab leader Ahmed Godane. He's blamed for encouraging the group to branch out into international terrorism.
- Islamic State steps up propaganda videos, beheading another captive
Videotaped atrocities in an attempt to spread fear are nothing new for IS. But it appears to be stepping up its propaganda as world powers start to engage in halting its spread.
- Ukraine accuses Russia of invasion as rebels mount new offensive
Kiev called an emergency security session, while a top rebel leader acknowledged today that Russian servicemen are fighting in eastern Ukraine.
- Death of American fighting for Islamic State in Syria: A threat to the US?
Midwesterner Douglas McCain was killed over the weekend. His radicalization fits a pattern of foreigners who fight for militant groups.
- Afghanistan's Abdullah threatens to withdraw from recount process
Presidential candidate Abdullah's threat ratchets up tension over a disputed election recount, which both candidates had agreed to in response to allegations of mass fraud.
- Ukraine captures Russian troops within its borders, just ahead of Minsk talks
The detention of the Russian paratroopers, who claim to have crossed the border accidentally, comes as the presidents of Russia and Ukraine attend a regional summit, with some speculating that the two may meet.
- Libya's instability deepens as Islamist militias seize Tripoli airport
Reports suggest that Libya could be headed toward a prolonged civil war, with Islamist militias controlling the airport in the capital and the parliament forced to meet in the eastern city of Tobruk.
- Russian aid convoy crosses into Ukraine, upping diplomatic stakes
Russian trucks loaded with humanitarian supplies had been idling at the border, but some have now entered Ukraine without permission, which Kiev considers an act of aggression. Russian and Ukrainian leaders are to meet next week.
- Foley captors' ransom demand revives debate over US no-pay policy
Islamic State militants had demanded millions of dollars for James Foley's release. While the US government refuses to pay ransoms to kidnappers, some European governments have done so in the past, enriching Al Qaeda and its affiliates.
- UK 'urgently investigates' suspected British executioner in Foley video
The Islamic State member who was shown beheading US journalist James Foley in a video spoke with a British accent. Foley went missing in Syria in 2012.
- India calls off Pakistan talks after envoy meets Kashmir separatists
India said Pakistan was meddling in its internal affairs, but previous meetings haven't triggered diplomatic rows. Both countries claim sovereignty over Kashmir.
- Ukraine claims advances in east as rebels' ranks churn
The Ukrainian government says its troops have made headway in rebel-held Luhansk and Donetsk. Meanwhile, several rebel leaders have left their posts.
- Are the US, France, and UK lining up to support the 'terrorist' PKK in Iraq?
The PKK - a Kurdish separatist group based in Turkey that the US has placed on its 'terrorist list' – has been in the thick of the fight against the Islamic State in Iraqi Kurdistan.
- Could arming the 'moderate' Syrian rebels have changed history?
That's a popular claim. But there's not much evidence to support it.
- What's in Russian aid convoy to Ukraine? Border officials begin to find out.
Ukrainian and Red Cross officials are inspecting the contents of the 200-plus truck convoy, which Kiev fears could be carrying supplies or troops to bolster rebels.
- In Afghan election dispute, enter the DC lobbyists
Afghanistan presidential hopeful Ashraf Ghani is spending nearly $150,000 a month on lobbying in DC amid a stuttering election audit.
- Gaza cease-fire extended as negotiators in Cairo remain far apart
The new truce is to last through Monday. Talks in Cairo on ending the conflict in Gaza mark the first time Israel and Hamas have negotiated, albeit indirectly, on something other than prisoner exchanges.
- White House weighs sending more troops to Iraq: How far will US, Europe go?
The US is developing a plan to rescue members of the Yazidi minority group amid increasing calls from the Kurdish government and Yazidi leaders for the US to respond more forcefully against Islamic State militants.