All Security Watch
- Suspicions greet Russian convoy on humanitarian mission to eastern Ukraine
A fleet of 280 Russian trucks allegedly carrying humanitarian aid is heading for eastern Ukraine, but the Ukrainian government and Red Cross say this isn't part of the agreement they reached.
- Nouri al-Maliki has lost his job, but it doesn't really matter
Iraq's president has nominated a replacement for Prime Minister Maliki, who is unpopular at home and abroad. But Iraq's problems go much deeper.
- Maliki denounces Iraqi president, deploys troops around Baghdad
The embattled Iraqi prime minister shows no willingness to step aside for a new unity government, which the US insists is crucial to reduce tensions and resist Islamic State militants.
- US air power delivers modest gains in Iraq as Yazidis flee to safety
Territorial gains by Kurdish fighters and relief for stranded Yazidis follow the first days of US military intervention in Iraq. Britain and France are also getting involved. But the Islamic State remains a potent threat.
- US authorizes airstrikes in Iraq as Islamic militants menace minorities
As Islamic militants advance, President Obama authorized military airstrikes and humanitarian air drops to beleaguered religious minorities in northern Iraq.
- Russia: Import ban will benefit the country, make people healthier
Russia's ban on food and agricultural imports comes in retaliation for US and European sanctions over Ukraine. Russia is expected to release a full list of the products it is barring today.
- Russia calls for humanitarian mission to Ukraine as Poland sounds a warning
At a UN Security Council meeting, Russia raised concerns over displacement in eastern Ukraine and called for greater aid to civilians. Critics say Russia is cloaking its true intentions in a conflict that it helped seed.
- Afghan military academy shooter kills US general in 'green-on-blue' attack
An insider attack at an Afghan military academy outside Kabul has killed the highest ranking US Army member since the start of the war.
- 'Mission accomplished': Temporary truce in Gaza sets stage for Israel-Hamas peace talks in Egypt
Israel's army tweeted 'Mission accomplished' and said it was pulling troops out of the Gaza Strip after four weeks of intense fighting that displaced around one-fourth of the Palestinian population there. Peace talks are due to be held in Cairo.
- Israel's temporary 'ceasefire' already on shaky ground
An Israeli promise to refrain from shelling most of Gaza today to allow for humanitarian aid was met by reports of airstrikes, setting off recriminations.
- Dozens are killed in Gaza as cease-fire agreement falls apart
Israel and Hamas blame the other for the collapse of what was supposed to be a three-day humanitarian cease-fire leading up to talks in Egypt.
- Israel opens door to longer campaign with vow to destroy all Hamas tunnels
Prime Minister Netanyahu said Israel will not agree to a truce before the tunnels – some which open up inside Israel – are removed as a threat.
- Deadly clashes hit Xinjiang amid sweeping security crackdown
China's state news agency reported that a gang attacked a police station and government offices in the troubled northwest region. China has fingered Xinjiang separatists for several serious attacks in recent months.
- For Israel in Gaza, a war of choice and an uncertain outcome
Viewing the enemy as a monster only motivated by hate – and only capable of responding to maximum force – can lead to error.
- Frustration builds as Ukraine fighting prevents access to MH17 site
Amid a third day of heavy fighting, one member of the international team called the site 'one of the biggest open crime scenes in the world.'
- Nigeria's Boko Haram targets top leaders at home and abroad
Boko Haram last week tried to assassinate a moderate Muslim prayer leader and a leading contender for Nigeria's presidency. Its latest abductee is the wife of Cameroon's deputy prime minister Amadou Ali.
- Fighting in Gaza stalls as Eid al-Fitr gets underway
But intermittent fire punctured the lull in fighting and neither Israel nor Hamas have indicated a willingness to discuss a lasting cease-fire.
- MH17 black box indicates a missile destroyed the Boeing 777
The flight data recorder from MH17 indicates a 'massive explosive decompression' occurred, consistent with a missile strike on the passenger aircraft, reports CBS News.
- IS tightens its sectarian rule as Iraq taps new president
Fouad Massoum was elected as Iraq's president while the jihadi group the Islamic State destroyed Christian shrines and imposed Islamic dress on women in the country's north.
- Israel, Gaza, morality – and who started it
A black and white approach to the conflict isn't likely to yield better outcomes for either Israelis and Palestinians.