All Security Watch
- Iran deal: US signals it's not going soft, slaps measures on more companies
The move was clearly done with Congress in mind, as lawmakers threaten new sanctions despite the administration's pleas to hold off while world powers try to negotiate a comprehensive deal with Iran.
- Why Catalonia's independence vote is more bark than bite
The Catalonian government announced today that it will hold an independence referendum next November. But that may not even be legal.
- OpinionSuccess of Iran nuclear deal – and Rouhani – depends on Iran's working class
To achieve a long-term deal with the P5+1, Iran's President Hassan Rouhani must also win the battle against his critics at home. His real challenge is to convince the poor that they stand to gain from a rapprochement with the West. If life gets more difficult for them, this will be a hard sell.
- China wants to be the world's next superpower. True or false?
Only 14 percent of ordinary Chinese and 1 percent of military respondents hope their country will become the single world leader, according to a study released today.
- How much has the US swayed the debate in Ukraine?
The EU's top diplomat says that President Yanukovych made clear that he will sign a deal with Brussels – just a day after the US warned it might use sanctions against Ukraine.
- How NSA reportedly uses Google cookies could be next privacy flash point
The utility of Google cookies in cyber exploitation and espionage comes as no surprise to some. NSA officials maintain their practices are practical and legal.
- Is Turkey helping international jihadis head to Syria?
The US and European governments worry that Turkey is turning a blind eye to jihadis from their soil seeking to fight in Syria, and fear the consequences when these blooded fighters return home.
- OpinionA vital link for US interests and allies – Azerbaijan – needs more support
The US must take a stronger role in addressing three key challenges in Azerbaijan: energy development, with support for a new natural gas pipeline to Europe; democratic reforms, especially those that ensure free speech; and peace with Armenia over the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region.
- China or Japan: Which wields more military clout?
Territorial disputes and China's air defense identification zone have focused new attention on the question.
- Ukraine protests: What's next after riot police pullback?
Ukrainian riot police withdrew from Independence Square after overnight clashes, leaving jubilant protesters. US and EU diplomats were on the scene.
- Families of Spanish journalists abducted in Syria break their silence
Two Spanish journalists kidnapped in September near Syria's border with Turkey are believed to be held by an Al Qaeda-allied rebel group.
- A brief French intervention in the Central African Republic? Maybe not.
French President Hollande promised a short intervention. But the killing of two French soldiers signals a tough task ahead.
- Loss of French soldiers in Central African Republic highlights tough quest for peace
Two soldiers were killed today, underscoring the challenges French forces face in the increasingly unstable former French colony.
- Syrian army captures highway, clearing path for chemical weapons removal
Syrian government forces claimed victory over rebels along a highway linking Damascus with northern ports. Chemical inspectors hope to load weapons for decommissioning there.
- Israel agrees to swap water with thirsty neighbors - but can it quench demand?
Israel, Jordan, and the Palestinian Authority will exchange water from filtration plants to feed thirsty towns and agriculture. A more ambitious plan for a new canal is still up in the air.
- Protests turn increasingly combustible as Ukraine president announces talks
President Yanukovych wants to establish a 'platform for understanding,' but with riot police taking up positions around the main protest site in Kiev, the conciliatory move may come too late.
- Egypt's courts going soft on Islamist protesters? Not so fast
A court in Alexandria has ruled in favor of 21 women and girls convicted of joining an anti-coup protest. But other followers of former President Morsi are unlikely to get lenient treatment.
- Thailand's opposition quits parliament as protesters prepare to march
The Democrat Party, which lost the last election, is resigning its seats in protest at an "illegitimate" government. Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra said she was ready to hold a snap election.
- South Korea ups air-zone ante in Asia's contested waters
South Korea has expanded its air defense zone. On a visit to the region, Vice President Joe Biden criticized China's recent declaration of its airspace zone.