All Security Watch
- Global ViewpointEurope beware: Isolating Russia will turn it into Hitler's Germany
Europe should be working to integrate, not isolate, Russia. Punitive isolation is what the Treaty of Versailles did to post-World War I Germany, leading to Hitler’s rise and World War II. Instead, the West and Russia have everything to gain by Russia’s coming closer to the EU.
- As Afghan presidential vote nears, deadly Taliban attacks spike
The Taliban attacks could threaten the credibility of the presidential vote. One international poll monitoring group has pulled its observers due to violence, and more could follow.
- Amid Russia crisis, Obama reluctantly 'pivots' back to Europe
President Obama has turned away from Europe during his presidency, but if he is going to have any success in isolating Russia, he'll need to work hard to reestablish European ties.
- Russia seizes another Crimean base as G-7 emergency summit convenes
At least 60 Ukrainian marines were detained today at a Crimean port as world leaders meet in The Hague to decide on a joint response to Moscow.
- NATO sounds alarm as Russian forces build on Ukraine border
Warnings of a Russian troop buildup near Ukraine as the country consolidates its hold on Crimea.
- Happy Nowruz? Iran finds fault with Obama's new year greeting.
Both President Obama and Secretary of State Kerry hit positive notes in their messages. But Iran's Supreme Leader Khamenei was critical of other elements.
- Kabul hotel attack: will it deter foreign observers of Afghan election?
The Taliban attack came as guests at Kabul’s highly fortified Serena Hotel, many of them foreigners, celebrated Nowruz, the new year. Nine people, including two children, were killed.
- Deadly Taliban attack underscores threat to disrupt Afghan elections
A suicide attack on a police station in the eastern city of Jalalabad left at least 10 police officers dead. A presidential election is due on April 5.
- Young men and guns: Why South Sudan's war flamed so fast and brightly
Hostilities began on Dec. 15 with antipathy between the president and former vice-president. But a local culture of guns acted like a tinderbox.
- Global ViewpointCondoleezza Rice: Crimea shows US can’t step back and let others lead
Condoleezza Rice states: 'The recent events [in Ukraine and elsewhere] should be a wake-up call to all Americans. I know we are tired and worried about our problems at home, but we cannot eschew the responsibilities of leadership and embolden those who don’t share our values.'
- Behind Israeli strikes on Syria, a simmering battle with Hezbollah
Israel bombed Syrian military targets in retaliation for IED attacks on Israeli troops, allegedly by Hezbollah. By targeting Syria, Israel sent a message that it holds Damascus responsible.
- Pro-Russian forces capture Ukrainian naval base in Crimea without firing a shot
Ukrainian commanders appeared resigned to the seizure of their base, but Ukraine's government vowed not to pull its troops from Crimea, which voted Sunday to join Russia.
- What do we actually know about Malaysia Airlines Flight 370?
Not a lot. And probably less than you think.
- US, Taiwan save F-16 upgrade deal after budget cut
Pentagon budget cuts made it appear that Taiwan's F-16s would not receive promised upgrades, even as neighbor China boosts military spending.
- Israeli Defense Minister: US trumped at 'Persian bazaar'
Israeli Defense Minister Moshe Yaalon says Israel is on its own in facing the threat from Iran. Previously, he opposed a unilateral Israeli strike.
- Has South Sudan war wrought an African 'rapid reaction' force?
The Ugandan Army quickly crossed into South Sudan on behalf of the government when fighting broke out in December. That may have started something.
- Thailand lifts state of emergency in Bangkok as protesters pull back
Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra said the move should help Thailand's image after months of often-violent street protests against her government, which faces legal challenges to its tenure.
- Egypt's human rights situation is going from ugly to uglier
And it's happening while the Obama administration is considering issuing a national security waiver to provide more weapons and cash to the country's military rulers.
- Hezbollah calls on Lebanese army to curb Syrian war spillover
The Syrian rebel stronghold of Yabroud fell to Hezbollah and regime forces this weekend, sending rebels fleeing to Lebanon. A spate of rocket attacks and bombings have followed.
- Global ViewpointUkraine crisis has pushed Germany to center stage
Where is Europe as Vladimir Putin is about to pocket Crimea? Or more to the point: Who is Europe? As Putin’s Crimean gambit unfolds, we don’t hear much from London and Paris. Germany has moved to center stage, touting its responsibility for world order and taking a more active role.