All Security Watch
- Al Jazeera in crosshairs as Egypt silences dissenting voices
Five journalists working for the cable network are in Egyptian jails, part of a broader campaign by the new government to stifle dissent.
- How grass-roots peace can take hold in South Sudan
Bringing peace to conflict-torn South Sudan will require more than negotiated cease-fires and UN aid. Key community leaders – especially women activists and church pastors – must work for local unity.
- At Syria talks, a workaround: Forget regime change, for now
After bitter arguments on day one of talks in Switzerland, the goals have become more modest: local truces and humanitarian aid.
- Kiev holds breath as protest leaders, government negotiate amid truce
But opposition leaders promised to go 'on the attack' if the Ukrainian government did not make political concessions, raising concerns that deadly fighting would reignite.
- US military aids Nigeria on Boko Haram
New special ops units expected to benefit from Pentagon training and equipment.
- Syria talks showcase chasm in positions. What was US expecting?
Whether Assad could be part of a transitional Syrian government elicited sharp disagreement at the talks, suggesting US hopes for the forum were modest, perhaps just a series of small steps.
- Pentagon plan for Afghanistan: More than Obama wants, but enough?
The Pentagon reportedly has presented Obama with a plan for 10,000 US troops in Afghanistan after 2014. Below that figure, officials say, imperils the mission. But some analysts say more are needed.
- Why Pakistani air strikes on Taliban targets not a gamechanger
Pakistan's military has responded to Taliban attacks with air strikes in the tribal belt near the Afghan border. But it lacks a comprehensive strategy for combating the militant group.
- Desperate for peace, Syrian rebels tear up playbook
The Syrian opposition group's charter forbid direct contact with the Assad regime. Now it's trading accusations face-to-face at peace talks in Switzerland.
- Far from Syria peace talks, rebels focus on gaining ground
A rebel victory in the strategic town of Qusayr would challenge the regime's narrative of a failing, divided opposition. The rebels' effort appears timed to gain clout in negotiations.
- Quick peace eludes S. Sudan leaders, despite Army victories
A splintering military and deep-seated rivalries among former adversaries are hobbling efforts to reach a ceasefire at sputtering talks in neighboring Ethiopia.
- Loyalty to Assad runs deep on Syrian coast
Among residents in the port city of Tartous, a regime stronghold, President Assad is seen as the only leader who can keep extremists at bay in Syria.
- Booz Allen, Snowden's old firm, looking to help US government with 'insider threats'
Are defense and intelligence contractors the best choice to manage a threat they've contributed to?
- Dueling opinions aired at Syrian peace talks
Talks that began Wednesday in Switzerland saw fiery exchanges by rival parties that underscored the dim prospects for a political end to Syria's civil war.
- US unease rises amid 'black widow' manhunt in Sochi, terrorism threats
Security concerns for the Olympics in Sochi are on the rise among US officials, as video threats surface and the Russians hunt for suspected 'black widow' suicide bombers. US military is forced into 'contingency planning.'
- Syria 'smoking gun' report warrants a careful read
The report by former war crimes prosectors alleges the Syrian regime has tortured 11,000 prisoners. The claim is credible, but don't forget the agenda.
- As Taliban steps up attacks, can Afghanistan hold peaceful national polls?
Afghan officials expect to open more polling centers in this spring's elections than in the last election. Recent attacks have raised doubts that this can happen.
- As Egypt squeezes Gaza, Hamas looks increasingly cornered
The deterioration in Gaza since Egypt cracked down on smuggling tunnels has left Hamas weakened – and looking to mend fences with Palestinian rival Fatah.
- As another car bomb rocks Lebanon, rockets fly along a frayed border
Rockets are flying in Lebanon's Bekaa Valley, adjacent to the Syrian border, with some apparently being fired from Syria, making the border feel increasingly irrelevant.
- Thailand declares state of emergency in Bangkok
Thai authorities declared a 60-day state of emergency in Bangkok that will begin Wednesday. It comes amid growing discontent among pro-government farmers.