All Security Watch
- Hijacked radioactive material found in Mexico. How dangerous was it?
The cobalt-60 reportedly was found near the hijacked truck it was on but outside its protective, lead-lined container. The IAEA called the highly radioactive material 'extremely dangerous.'
- Who should be at table for Syria peace talks? UN seeks longer invite list.
Preparing the invitation list to next month's peace conference on Syria is a ticklish matter for the UN's special envoy. Both Iran and Saudi Arabia are influential, on opposite sides, in Syria's civil war. But the US has conditions for including Tehran.
- US-China spy games in storm-hit Philippines? Pacific power play simmers.
As the Pentagon forges ahead with its strategic shift toward Asia, the Philippines is likely to be important for US national security efforts in the region – particularly in light of China’s recent declaration of an 'air defense zone.'
- Hezbollah blames Israel for commander's death in Lebanon
Shiite militant group Hezbollah said Israel was behind the assassination on Wednesday of Hussein al-Laqis, described as a senior commander of the group.
- Why did North Korea's Kim oust his longtime mentor?
Kim Jong-un has reportedly purged his uncle, who guided the young leader through his first two turbulent years in power.
- Powerful North Korean official purged from key role: reports
The reports from South Korea's intelligence services could not yet be independently verified. But they have kicked off a debate about Kim Jong-un's grip on power.
- Cyber-security puzzle: Who is sending Internet traffic on long, strange trips?
The Internet traffic of governments and financial companies is being quietly and momentarily diverted to overseas locations, cyber-security experts say. Who is hijacking traffic and why is it a mystery?
- Biden's Asia challenge: Can he reassure US allies without inflaming passions?
The declaration by China of an air defense zone in the East China Sea has sparked concerns among America's Asian allies over US resolve in the region that Biden is seeking to allay.
- Bold Boko Haram attack deals sharp blow to Nigerian Air Force
Militants attacked targets in Maiduguri, which had been quiet for six months under emergency rule. The Monitor correspondent offers a detailed account after a visit to northeast Nigeria goes all wrong.
- Syrian Army goes all-in to take back strategic highway
The Syrian Army wants to restore full regime control to the Qalamoun area, and is fiercely shelling rebels whose presence there threatens a key link to other areas.
- Ukrainian protests flare up over pivot away from Europe
Hundreds of thousands of protesters took to the streets in Kiev this weekend, calling for the resignation of President Yanukovych after the government abandoned an EU trade deal.
- China sends warplanes into East China Sea airzone
China's decision to send in warplanes is likely a bid to enforce the new air-defense zone after the US, Japan and South Korea all flew planes through without any response.
- If sanctions worked with Iran, will they work with 'rogue' nations?
What made sanctions effective in Iran may not work as well in other nations, where a recent change in the political order and a mandate to forge new relationships and ease economic pain do not exist.