All Security Watch
- As Syrian war death toll rises, senior air force general dies in rebel attack
Gen. Hussein Ishaq was the commander of Syria's air defenses and among the highest-ranking regime officials killed since the conflict began in 2011.
- FocusBoko Haram: Uncle Sam's aid is unlikely to deter Nigeria insurgents
Ending insurgencies is hard, as are needle-in-a-haystack manhunts in lawless areas where distrust of the government and foreigners runs high.
- Laborer 'citizen patrols' start to take back eastern Ukraine's streets
The patrols and efforts to clean up barricades left by pro-Russia insurgents suggest a return to some kind of normalcy in Ukraine's restive east.
- Prime Minister Abe wants review of legal constraints on Japan's military
Abe wants to 'reinterpret' Japan's pacifist Constitution, arguing that Japan must be better positioned to deal with potential threats in the region – and to come to the aid of allies.
- Syria peace prospects dim as Brahimi heads for the exit
The resignation of UN special envoy to Syria Lakhdar Brahimi, who has built his career on easing the most difficult conflicts, marks just how intractable Syria's civil war has become.
- Anti-China demonstrators in Vietnam torch foreign factories amid territorial dispute
Protesters targeted foreign factories that they mistakenly believed to be Chinese owned, raising questions over Vietnam's control of anti-China sentiment after a dispute flared offshore.
- Global ViewpointAfter Boko Haram kidnapping: What does the US stand for?
It took three weeks for President Obama to publicly address the crisis of more than 250 Nigerian school girls kidnapped by Boko Haram. Evidence is mounting that, beyond its strategic self-interest, the US does not have an operating philosophy on defending human rights.
- With Ukraine's election looming, German minister visits to spur national dialogue
The minister's visit indicates Germany and the West's increasing concern over Ukraine after controversial referendums on independence held Sunday in the country's east.
- Ukrainian separatists hail self-rule snub to Kiev amid fraud claims
Separatists in eastern Ukraine say that Sunday's referendums strongly favored self-rule for two regions. But questions remain over the validity of a vote that Kiev has strongly rejected.
- Signs of fraud as Ukraine separatist referendum moves forward over Kiev's objections
A separatist referendum went forward in much of eastern Ukraine today over the objections of Kiev and many western governments, including the US.
- Putin caps Moscow's Victory Day fervor with visit to Crimea
Putin praised Russia's 'iron will, fearlessness and steadfast courage' in World War II. He made only oblique references to the current crisis in Ukraine – but then headed to Sevastopol.
- Will international aid help Nigeria turn the corner with Boko Haram?
The US, Britain, China, and France have all offered help. But they are limited in what they can do on the ground, and Nigeria may hesitate to appear too welcoming of such aid.
- China bristles at pushback from Vietnam, Philippines in disputed waters
Vietnam disputes China's right to drill for oil in waters that lie within Vietnam's exclusive economic zone. The Philippines has detained Chinese fishermen accused of collecting protected turtles.
- 'Boko Haram' doesn't really mean 'Western education is a sin'
Boko Haram gets lost in translation. Oh, and the word 'boko' isn't derived from the word 'book.'
- Boko Haram mayhem intensifies pressure on Nigeria on eve of global gathering
Boko Haram threatens to sell hundreds of girls it kidnapped last month. The World Economic Forum on Africa opens in Abuja Wednesday, drawing even more global attention to the crisis.
- Why Kiev's efforts to control Odessa could backfire
Ukraine's interior minister announced it has sent a new police unit, involving 'civilian activists,' to bolster security in Odessa after a deadly weekend that left at least 40 dead.
- What does Homs cease-fire mean for Syrian regime?
Outgunned and surrounded, Syria's rebels are withdrawing from Homs under a 24-hour cease-fire. Claiming complete control of the city would be a significant victory for Damascus.
- Ukraine assaults occupied city in east as Russia decries 'punitive operation'
Ukrainian troops aim to dislodge pro-Russian militants in Slovyansk. Russian warnings about military action against the east are boosting fears that it might invade.
- Is US policy on Egypt shifting?
Michele Dunne, a former administration official, argues that it may be.
- The Sinai, terror, and the US response to Egypt
Is it wise to let concern about terrorism trump all?