All Security Watch
- Iran nuclear deal: If Congress plays bad cop, will that help diplomacy?
The Obama administration says it fears additional Iran sanctions could thwart a nuclear deal. But some lawmakers say the White House privately wants Congress to play the bad cop.
- FAA’s big step forward: Unmanned Aircraft Systems coming to US airspace
Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) have powerful potential to improve and save US lives and are already helping a range of Americans – from law enforcement to farmers. With FAA safety and privacy regulations in place, experts predict that small UAS will proliferate in the next few years.
- Long at home in Kenya, Somali refugees feel pressure to leave
Kenya's Westgate Mall siege has increased suspicion of Somali refugees, who now are confronting a repatriation pact that urges them to return to a country many don't even know.
- Egypt's message to the US: We've got Russia
Russian officials are in Cairo today, reportedly to negotiate an arms deal. The US suspended some of its annual military aid to Egypt last month.
- US military footprint on Philippines could grow after typhoon Haiyan
The aftermath of typhoon Haiyan is showing Filipinos the benefits of a robust US military presence. That could help a US-Philippines military accord currently under discussion.
- Emboldened by victory over jihadis, Syrian Kurds push toward autonomy
Syrian Kurds have triumphed in battle over powerful rebel Al Qaeda affiliates. This week, they announced an autonomous government in Syria's Kurdish region.
- Is Pakistan putting its reputation as an Al Qaeda safe-haven at risk?
Perhaps.
- OpinionAfter NSA spying revelations, US must reform rules on secrecy and data
The US should make two key reforms. First, the over-designation of material as classified makes it is harder to protect the few real secrets; this must be change. Second, the FISA court must become a gatekeeper for NSA access to communications data.
- Improving Americans’ lives: How Unmanned Aircraft Systems can help
As the use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) expands – and regulations address privacy concerns – Aerospace Industries Association President and CEO Marion Blakey expects domestic support for UAS to grow, leading to an exciting and innovative next chapter for aviation in America.
- Lifting state of emergency in Egypt may not change police behavior
Security forces still deployed on streets, and police may still have carte blanche to crack down.
- Does Iran have a 'right' to enrich? Answer is key to nuclear deal, and beyond.
The Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty does not explicitly cite a 'right' to enrich uranium, and how the US and other powers resolve this dispute has implications beyond Iran.
- Is global warming generating storms like Typhoon Haiyan?
So far, there isn't strong evidence to support this assertion.
- Egypt's Christians close ranks as kidnappings spike
Close to 100 Christians have been kidnapped for ransom in southern Egypt since the 2011 revolution. Frustrated by police indifference, Christians are now demanding action.
- With Iran nuclear deal missed, world powers rush back to talks
The failure of recent talks between Iran and world powers on its nuclear program could help hardliners opposed to a deal. Negotiators are scrambling to prevent that.
- OpinionPakistan's release of Taliban prisoners – an empty deal
At the request of Afghan officials, Pakistan has reportedly released almost 40 Taliban combatants, supposedly to help spur peace negotiations. But experience shows this is wishful thinking. These prisoner releases give the Taliban something they want, while providing nothing in return.
- Preah Vihear ruling hailed as 'win-win' for Thailand, Cambodia
The International Court of Justice ruled that a square kilometer around the Preah Vihear temple belongs to Cambodia, but left most of the Thai-Cambodian border dispute for resolution later.
- Potential Iran nuclear deal: what John Kerry faces in convincing Congress
If anything, Congress wants to ramp up sanctions against Iran, not soften them, asserting that only more economic hardship can persuade Tehran to dismantle its nuclear program.
- What Haqqani leader's killing means for Afghanistan and Pakistan
Nasiruddin Haqqani served as the chief fundraiser for the Haqqani network, which has ties to the Taliban and Al Qaeda.
- French exceptionalism? Why France scuttled Iran nuclear agreement.
Foreign Minister Fabius said France won't accept a 'sucker's deal' on Iran's nuclear program, raising questions about its relationship with Iran.
- Failure to reach Iran nuclear deal may fortify hardline opponents
French objections helped block talks that appeared close to a preliminary deal. Kerry warned each day of delay meant 'Iran will continue to enrich, and Iran will continue to put centrifuges in.'