All Security Watch
- Afghans are living longer? Yes, but not thanks to NATO
The claim that Western intervention in Afghanistan has dramatically improved life expectancy is a surprisingly durable myth.
- French troops gear up for lawless Central African Republic
Troops are preparing to deploy in chaotic CAR, one of Africa's poorest countries, amid warnings of genocide and worsening Christian-Muslim tensions.
- Face time and pivoting presidents bring US and Iran a little closer
Repeated meetings between US and Iran during nuclear talks have led to a partial thaw after decades of enmity.
- Afghanistan pushes to stone adulterers? You shouldn't be surprised.
Triumphant coalition statements about how much Afghanistan has changed should be treated with skepticism.
- American B-52s flout China's newly declared airspace
Beijing wants to change the status quo in the East China Sea. US officials think it unlikely that China will challenge military flights.
- US allies fear not just nuclear deal, but how it strengthens Iran
The US is trying mightily to convince Israel that it is more secure with the Iran nuclear deal. But the prospect of a strengthened Iran asserting itself in the region may be even harder for the Saudis to take.
- Is nuclear deal a victory, or deception? In Iran, it depends who's asking.
Moderate and reformist camps in Iran have lauded the nuclear deal, but hard-liners see American manipulation at every turn.
- This just in: Totally unbelievable thing is absolutely untrue
A World Health Organization report mistakenly described an epidemic of deliberate HIV infection by Greeks seeking government benefits. A lot of the press believed this.
- Syria peace talks a harder sell than Iran negotiations
There are discouraging signs for talks scheduled for January: the main rebel forces will not send a representative, and President Assad has less reason to compromise after recent battlefield gains.
- Does Iran nuclear deal pave way for Syria compromise? Not so fast.
What allowed Iran and world powers to reach an agreement was avoiding matters where interests diverge -- like Syria.
- Iran nuclear deal: To preserve the euphoria, much needs to happen
Optimistic reactions to the Iran nuclear deal, such as higher prices for certain stocks and lower for oil, could sour quickly if Iran fails to follow through on the requirements it signed on to Sunday.
- Iran nuclear deal 101: eight questions about what's in it
Here is an explanation of the main elements of the deal struck to temporarily freeze the Iran nuclear program. Negotiations aimed at a final deal are to continue over the next six months.
- OpinionWhy Netanyahu is wrong about Iran nuclear deal
Israel's Benjamin Netanyahu warns that the nuclear deal with Iran increases Iran’s chances of building nuclear weapons. He’s exactly wrong: With this deal in place, it will be much harder for Iranian hardliners to make the case that Iran should tear up its agreements and build a bomb.
- Back in Tehran, nuclear negotiators get a hero's welcome
Jubilant Iranians swarmed the nuclear negotiating team upon their arrival home, potentially strengthening negotiators' hand in quieting critics.
- OpinionIran nuclear deal: Just a piece of paper for now
World powers have reached a historic six-month nuclear with Iran, but not everyone is cheering. Just as the 'anti-deal' crowd is wrong to burn diplomacy in the womb, so too is the 'pro-deal' crowd wrong to crow with gleeful triumphalism. The only sensible reaction: hopeful but healthy scrutiny.
- Thai protesters occupy ministries in disobedience campaign
Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra faces mounting protests over a controversial amnesty bill. Antigovernment protesters have occupied government facilities.
- Twilight in Tahrir: Egypt law aims to sharply curb protest
A new law requires that those organizing a demonstration or open meeting get advance approval from Egyptian police, who can ban such gatherings at will.
- With Iran nuclear deal, Obama hopes to end decades of mistrust
The agreement designed to freeze critical elements of Iran’s nuclear program is an important first step in President Obama’s effort to end decades of troubled relations between the US and Iran.
- For Russia, a sense of vindication in Iran nuclear deal
An upbeat Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov lauded the negotiated settlement, saying it will benefit everyone in the long run. Russia has opposed many of the sanctions on Iran.
- 'Spoiler' role over, France joins the party celebrating an Iran nuclear deal
France says its hard-line stance on Iran led to a tougher deal it could accept, but there was also likely too much momentum toward a deal for France to object.