All Security Watch
- Muqtada al-Sadr doesn't appear to have quit Iraqi politics
Iraqi Shiite cleric and political powerhouse Muqtada al-Sadr has reversed his promise to quit politics. It now looks like gamesmanship ahead of April parliamentary elections.
- Why French lawmakers want troops to stay in distant Central African Republic
Moral concerns appear to have outweighed public disapproval of the deployment in the national assembly's vote Tuesday.
- Ukraine disbands feared riot police unit that led crackdown on Kiev protesters
More than 80 people died in clashes that precipitated a change of government in Kiev, and the acting interior minister says the 'Golden Eagles' riot police must go.
- Complete US withdrawal from Afghanistan means civil war, Pakistani warns
Seeing President Karzai as unlikely to sign the Bilateral Security Agreement, President Obama has directed the Pentagon to prepare for a full withdrawal of US forces from Afghanistan.
- Exclusive: New thesis on how Stuxnet infiltrated Iran nuclear facility
The Stuxnet worm that attacked Iran's nuclear facility at Natanz came to light nearly four years ago, but how it got there remains a mystery. A possible new explanation, outlined Tuesday, cites the supply chain as the key.
- Why Spain's militant ETA may be ending with a whimper
International mediators were shown a cache of weapons by ETA members who declared a ceasefire in 2011 after decades of violent struggle. A former ETA commando tells his story.
- Moazzam Begg, 'radicalization,' and blowback. Why worry?
Lots of worry about foreign fighters returning home from the jihad in Syria. Is it well placed?
- After Ukraine's Maidan, a bigger crackdown in Moscow?
Ukraine's Maidan movement has caught the attention of Russians and there are signs the Kremlin is moving to further constrict the country's political space.
- Venezuela: Are cracks starting to show in Maduro's backing?
A key political ally of Venezuela's embattled leader expressed sharp – and rare – criticism of the use of force to quell protests.
- Israeli airstrikes along Syrian border aim at Hezbollah
Israeli airstrikes: Israel has not commented on reports that it struck a Hezbollah target Monday night, but the circumstances and recent history point to its involvement.
- Pentagon plan to downsize Army: a sign of US reluctance to nation-build
Bringing US ground forces to their lowest level since before World War II makes sense given that troop-intensive, nation-building operations are unlikely for the foreseeable future, the Defense secretary said Monday in discussing his Pentagon budget plan.
- Will Mexico's capture of 'El Chapo' improve security?
One cartel king behind bars is reason to celebrate. But the outlook is complicated.
- Egypt's cabinet resigns, ducking growing anger over economic hardship
The resignation of the Egyptian prime minister and his cabinet is seen as preparation for a presidential bid by Defense Minister Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, but there may be more to the story.
- UN nuclear inspectors throw a bone to 'Trust Iran' camp
Iran has assured skeptical diplomats that it is slowing its nuclear work. The latest report from the UN nuclear agency backs them up.
- Russia slams Ukraine upheaval as illegal 'armed uprising'
The Russian prime minister attacked the legitimacy of Kiev's government, which ousted President Yanukovych over the weekend. But Moscow is waiting to see what happens next before acting.
- Ukraine charges former President Yanukovych with mass murder
Ukraine's new leaders issued an arrest warrant for Yanukovych, who was impeached on Saturday and is on the run. The charges are linked to recent deadly violence in Kiev.
- As Ukrainian opposition consolidates, Yanukovych's support base crumbles
The ousted president's own party has denounced his rule, underscoring the seismic political shift in Ukraine. But opposition leaders may not have it all their way.
- Assad offensive near Homs sends Syrians fleeing to Lebanon
Since the offensive began on Feb. 10, more than 10,000 refugees have sought refuge in Arsal from the fighting in the strategically important Qalamoun region.
- In Ukraine, abandoned presidential mansion is powerful symbol for protesters
In a tumultuous series of moves, parliament impeached a defiant President Yanukovych, called for May presidential elections, and freed former Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko from jail.The public also got a look at a lavish retreat built by Yanukovych.
- US, Iran pledge to play nicer on home front
The US and Iran have attacked each other in public to sell nuclear talks to skeptical audiences at home. But harsh words have eroded trust.