All Security Watch
- Russian aircraft buzz US Navy destroyer: How big a deal?
The incident took place over the weekend in the international waters of the Black Sea – ‘a long way from US Navy bases and at the front doorstep’ of the Russian military, a naval analyst says.
- Ukraine launches 'anti-terrorist' ops in east... or does it?
Kiev says it has begun operations to displace pro-Russia protesters holding buildings in the country's east, though there have been few signs of activity so far.
- First 'cyber' Pulitzer honors publishers of NSA leaks for public service
In awarding the Pulitzer to The Washington Post and The Guardian US for their reports on information leaked by Edward Snowden, the committee is highlighting the importance of the cyber realm.
- Pro-Russian militia defy Kiev's latest deadline to end occupations
Ukraine's interim president had ordered pro-Russian protesters to hand back occupied buildings or face a crackdown, but so far neither has happened, leaving Ukraine in a tough spot.
- NATO images purport to show Russia 'ready for combat' on Ukrainian border
Russia continues to deny NATO accusations that it is gathering troops on the border as it hastens to prepare for a possible cutoff of essential Ukrainian-made military parts.
- Is Al Qaeda winning? House hearing probes terror group's status.
Experts before a House Foreign Affairs subcommittee were particularly concerned about Syria being a place where Al Qaeda affiliates can find sanctuary.
- Global ViewpointBan Ki-moon: After Rwanda, world says 'never again' but still fails to act
The genocide in Rwanda was an emblematic failure of the international community. The world has since made important strides in acting on those lessons, but this work still faces setbacks. The international community cannot claim to care about atrocity crimes and then shrink from the commitment required to prevent them – whether in the Central African Republic or Syria.
- NATO not ruling out troop deployments – even from US – to Eastern Europe
NATO's top military commander says that he will present a package of measures next week laying out how the alliance will respond to the Russian buildup along Ukraine's borders.
- Ukraine crisis: US hawks say now's the time for more sanctions on Russia
The Obama administration has used harsh words to describe Russia’s moves but appears to prefer brandishing tougher sanctions as a threat to be carried out only if Russia moves into Ukraine.
- Ukraine tells pro-Russian separatists to negotiate or face force
Kiev gave protesters in the east 48 hours to come to the table. But in both Donetsk and Luhansk, armed demonstrators remained behind their barricades.
- US options to curb Russia on Ukraine: Boots on the ground in Poland?
Amid GOP cries to 'do something' on Ukraine, the Pentagon weighs increasing military exercises, forward deploying equipment and personnel, and increasing naval, air, and ground presence. But there are also risks in doing too much, Pentagon officials say.
- US, Russia plan Ukraine talks even as worsening crisis casts doubt on dialogue
Secretary Kerry plans to meet Lavrov next week in Europe but sounded a warning Tuesday that 'Russian special forces and agents' are out to create a 'contrived crisis' in eastern Ukraine.
- China warns it cannot be contained as US defense secretary visits
Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel says he wants to create a framework to 'manage competition.' He visited China's first aircraft carrier yesterday.
- Ukraine crisis: US warns Russia of more sanctions over 'saboteurs' in east
The US and Russia said their top diplomats would meet soon to seek a way out of the Ukraine crisis, but their starkly opposed interpretations of the turmoil in the east offer little prospect of common ground.
- Rwanda bars French envoy from genocide memorial after Paris pulls its minister
Rwandan President Paul Kagame continues to blame France for its role in the 1994 genocide by extremists Hutus, prompting another diplomatic row on the eve of a memorial ceremony.
- Attack in Afghanistan kills one Western journalist, wounds another
Anja Niedringhaus, an Associated Press photographer, was killed as she waited in a convoy of election workers delivering ballots in Khost. Her colleague Kathy Gannon was wounded.
- Israeli-Palestinian peace effort not dead yet, claims Kerry
Palestinian leaders appear to have given up on US-brokered talks with Israel, spurring criticism from all sides as well as reflection on what lies ahead.
- NATO general: Russia has 'entire suite ready to go' for Ukraine incursion
NATO's supreme allied commander in Europe warns that Russia could 'accomplish its objectives in between 3 and 5 days' if ordered.
- Does Palestinian leader's surprise move signal end of Mideast peace talks?
Palestinian President Abbas signed on to 15 international agencies, saying Israel had failed to uphold its part of a deal. But John Kerry said it was premature to declare the peace talks over.
- As Russia warns Ukraine, NATO moves to embrace it
Even as all sides called for dialogue, Russia and the West seemed farther apart. NATO foreign ministers voted to increase cooperation with Ukraine and suspend it with Russia.