All Security Watch
Can defeat of M23 rebels foster sustained peace in Congo?As many as 40 militias are operating in eastern Congo, where mineral resources drive conflict. But some see hope in a more robust UN force and Congolese Army.
Iran foreign minister says initial nuclear deal could be struck today: interviewA first-phase nuclear deal with Iran appeared imminent, spurring Secretary of State John Kerry and European foreign ministers to rush to Geneva.
New boss, new rules: Taliban says talks are off in PakistanA spokesman for the Pakistan Taliban said they would launch revenge attacks against Prime Minister Sharif's government in retaliation for the death of their former leader by US drone strike.
New Pakistan Taliban leader: bold moves, widespread influenceThe power wielded by Maualana Fazlullah – who plotted the attack on Malala Yousafzai – was evident back in 2007, when the Monitor traveled into Pakistan's Swat Valley to document his rise.
Iran: Don't blame us, blame our tea partyWhen Iranian hardliners draped Tehran with anti-US banners, Foreign Minister Zarif asked the world to understand that, like the US tea party, the groups don't speak for everyone.
Iran nuclear talks move forward, but are world powers offering enough?Negotiators have a new two-phase plan to halt expansion of Iran's nuclear program before a final deal, but the plan does not ease most punishing sanctions.
Will Yasser Arafat poisoning report derail Middle East peace talks?A Swiss report saying it's possible the former PLO chairman died from polonium poisoning comes out just as US Secretary of State Kerry is trying to salvage negotiations.- Iran nuclear talks: Can the window stay open long enough for a deal?Iran and six world powers return to talks Thursday on the country's nuclear program. Despite word that Iran would be ready to put specifics on the table, that doesn’t appear to be the case now.
Israel: Not seen but very much heard at Iran nuclear talksFearful that Iran could still build a nuclear weapon, Israel is insisting sanctions be tightened further. But US negotiators are urging the opposite to give talks a chance.
Can Kerry's visit halt the insults flying between Israeli and Palestinian leaders?Peace talks are floundering as leaders hurl accusations of duplicity, despite an agreement to keep negotiation details secret.
What, exactly, has new Edward Snowden 'manifesto' accomplished?Edward Snowden has released an open letter and a manifesto in recent days, with critics saying he's angling for clemency. Actually, it's not clear what he's doing, but it's not likely to amount to much, experts say.
One trip, two crises: Can Kerry keep the lid on Mideast peace talks and Iran?John Kerry faces two formidable challenges in his visit to the Mideast: keep frustrated Palestinians committed to peace talks, and reassure Israel's Netanyahu that Obama isn't going soft on Iran.
With US set to exit Afghanistan, is legalizing the Taliban the way to end the war?A US combat role is slated to end in Afghanistan by late 2014, and negotiations go on over terms for keeping US troops there for training. But some analysts see a need to do a deal with the Taliban, sooner or later.
Mutiny verdicts in Bangladesh: Was trial fair?The sentencing of 152 people for a 2009 rebellion has been criticized as an affront to international legal standards.
M23 ready to drop the gun in East Congo amid hopes for peace800,000 displaced people later, the M23 rebel group is ready to resolve grievances through 'political means only.'
Bangladesh sentences 152 soldiers to death for mutiny that shook nationThe verdicts against members of the former Bangladesh Rifles for the 2009 uprising come amid nationwide strikes.
Morsi trial opens new battleground for Egypt's military and IslamistsMuslim Brotherhood supporters say former President Morsi and other leaders are victims of a political vendetta, pointing to police who killed protesters and still walk free.
Iran's hardliners keep 'Death to America' alive on US embassy anniversaryTurnout at Iran's annual commemoration of the embassy seizure today was the largest in years. But do hardliners have the clout to disrupt talks on Iran's nuclear program?
Former Egypt President Morsi's trial opens; 'This is illegitimate,' he says.Egypt's former President Morsi, deposed in a July coup and now in the dock along with fellow members of the Muslim Brotherhood, refused to recognize the court's authority.
Iraq’s Maliki brings wish list to Washington. Why are officials unmoved?Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, meeting with President Obama Friday, is asking for equipment to help fight a growing insurgency. A half-dozen senators wrote an open letter outlining their concerns about Iraq.
