All Security Watch
- Nigerians lambast government inaction as hundreds of school girls remain missing
More than 200 girls were kidnapped from their school in northeastern Nigeria earlier this month. The region faces a long-running insurgency by Islamist militant group, Boko Haram.
- When it comes to Egypt, take note of American actions, not words
Secretary of State John Kerry talks tough on mass death sentences in Egypt. But US actions signal a far different take on Egypt's authoritarian about-turn.
- Kiev 'helpless' to keep eastern Ukraine in fold, as more buildings occupied
Ukraine's acting president asked for help from regional governors to stop upheaval in the east from spreading, as pro-Russia militants seized buildings in Horlivka, a city near Donetsk.
- Echoing US sanctions, EU names 15 Russians and Ukrainians
The European Union said it would freeze assets of 15 military and political officials in Russia and Ukraine. The move comes as tensions escalate in eastern Ukraine.
- US to impose new sanctions on Russia – and holds more in reserve
President Obama said the measures are aimed at 'changing Putin's calculus' on Ukraine, and that further 'Russian aggression' could trigger more sanctions.
- US and South Korea postpone transfer of wartime control to Seoul
The handover would grant South Korea full control of its military in the event of a conflict. But the transfer might be delayed yet again.
- Plane 'hijacking' false alarm a reminder of air security improvements – and gaps
An Australian passenger jet bound for Bali issued a hijacking alert when an unruly passenger tried to enter the cockpit. The passenger was quickly subdued and arrested.
- Global ViewpointLarry Summers: Will 2014 end up like 1914?
History does not repeat itself, but it does rhyme. We have seen that isolationism only results in greater conflicts later. It is only through the cooperation of nations that firm and clear lines can be drawn and that others can be enticed in.
- Ukraine steps up military offensive in eastern towns, provoking Russian warning
Russia's foreign minister said an attack on Russian citizens "is an attack on the Russian Federation." Ukraine said its troops retook a city hall and repelled an assault by militiamen last night.
- US troops arriving in Eastern Europe. Is it more than symbolic?
A contingent of 150 US troops began arriving in Poland Wednesday, the first of four such units being deployed for training exercises in Eastern Europe in a move criticized as unlikely to impress Russia.
- Kiev restarts 'anti-terrorist' operation in east Ukraine after killing of politician
The interim government said it had 'obtained US support' for operations against pro-Russian militias, which it restarted after saying that a local politician was found dead and tortured.
- Punishing Putin: Why Pentagon is cool to sanctions on Russian arms firm
Pentagon officials are quietly resisting possible US sanctions against the Russian arms firm Rosoboronexport, because it also supplies Mi-17 helicopters to the Afghan Air Force.
- String of US drone strikes in Yemen target Al Qaeda affiliate
Yemen says at least 55 militants died in airstrikes over three days. US drone strikes are unpopular in Yemen, but a weak central government has few options to curb Al Qaeda.
- Why Vice President Biden is visiting embattled Ukraine now
Vice President Joe Biden's two-day visit aims to signal support for Ukraine's democracy, while nudging the Russians to help de-escalate the crisis with the threat of energy sanctions.
- Pro-Russian protesters respond to a Ukraine peace deal: 'We're not leaving'
Less than 24 hours after it was signed by officials from Russia, Ukraine, the US, and the EU, the ambitious roadmap to defuse Ukrainian tensions was showing cracks.
- Ukraine deal aims to stop violence: Can it work?
If follow-through occurs, the agreement would represent a significant shift in a crisis that has been marked by the presence of Russian troops near Ukraine’s eastern border, as well as upheaval and ethnic tension in key Ukrainian cities.
- Ukraine crisis: US boots on the ground in Poland is an option, Hagel says
'De-escalation is our focus,' Hagel said alongside his Polish counterpart, but 'we have to look at every possibility.' Even so, US steps on Ukraine are not meant to threaten Russia, he said.
- Putin reminds that force in Ukraine remains on table, as NATO beefs up
During his annual public call-in show, the Russian president said he would send troops into Ukraine to 'protect' locals if necessary.
- Behind Assad's victory boasts, a recalibration of success in Syria
With the help of its allies, the Syrian Army has regained critical territory from armed rebels. But talk of victory obscures the fact that parts of the country may be irretrievable.
- Ukrainian military defections boost pro-Russia militia as unrest spreads
Ukrainian efforts to regain control over its industrial eastern region bordering Russia appear to be floundering after some units defected. Pro-Russian forces have seized another building in Donetsk.