All Security Watch
Fate of Syria's Assad complicates international peace effortsUN envoy Brahimi implied President Assad might not have a role in a future government, while Russia says only Syrians can make that call. Meanwhile, rebels said they took control of a key military base.
Kurdish leader's murder in Paris threatens tentative Turkish-PKK peace dealThe killings of PKK founder Sakine Cansiz and two others could be an attempt to derail negotiations between Ankara and the PKK to peacefully end the militant group's separatist campaign.
Japan to boost military budget amid regional tensionsThe budgetary shifts are relatively modest but reverse the course of the past decade. The move comes at a time when Japan is increasingly at odds with China over disputed islands in the East China Sea.
The 'Brotherhoodization' of Egypt and its unionsIs the Muslim Brotherhood making moves to extend its control over local governments and labor unions?
British soldier killed in latest 'insider attack' in AfghanistanThe shooting highlights concerns about the Afghan National Army's ability to assume responsibility for security as international troops begin their drawdown.
In Egypt a new cabinet, but same old IMF problemA day after President Mohamed Morsi reshuffled Egypt's cabinet, an IMF representative was in Cairo to discuss a $4.8 billion loan. But the cost of that needed cash appears steep.
Assad speech resoundingly dismissed by opposition and alliesSyrian President Bashar al-Assad made a rare public speech yesterday that, outside the regime, is seen as offering nothing more than many more months of violence.
Takeaway from Assad's speech? There will be no meaningful dialogue.President Bashar al-Assad's first speech in months dashed any hopes that a negotiated settlement to the Syrian civil war was soon possible.
The drip, drip, drip of Egypt's bad economic newsThe Egyptian pound has tumbled in recent weeks, but it could go much further. Here's why.
Malala Yousafzai, Pakistani teen shot by Taliban, is released from UK hospitalMalala Yousafzai quickly became an international symbol of resistance to the Pakistani Taliban after she was shot for her efforts to promote girls' education.- Libyan cop in Benghazi kidnappedThe kidnapping of the head of the criminal investigations department in Benghazi, where four US officials were killed last year, is a reminder of how tough Libya's transition remains.
Backward step for reform in Myanmar?Yes, Myanmar's military backed government has promised elections in 2015 and released Aun San Suu Kyi from prison. But it's still calling the shots - and violently.
US drone strike in Pakistan kills influential Taliban commanderUS strikes in northwest Pakistan reportedly killed Maulvi Nazir, a Pakistani Taliban commander known for fighting US forces in Afghanistan. Some in Pakistan's military viewed him as a 'good' Taliban.
For Egypt's satirists, Morsi's power is no jokeBassem Youssef, whose Daily Show-inspired satirical program propelled him to stardom, is the latest target of Egypt's attempts to silence government critics.
Any end in sight? Syrian conflict enters third calendar yearMany believed 2012 would be Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's last year in power, but at the outset of 2013 the conflict appears locked in a stalemate with alarming fatality rates.
Happy new year, Cairo?Residents speak of a tough year, and worry about a tougher one ahead.
UN envoy: Without deal in Syria, think Somalia not YugoslaviaThe United Nations' envoy to Syria Lakhdar Brahimi argued against hopes that the country could find stability by devolving into a set of smaller states.
New Constitution divides Egypt as economy faltersThe process of passing Egypt's Constitution has created more political distrust and anger. Meanwhile, a neglected economy is heading towards grim shoals.
US embassy evacuated as rebels surge in Central African RepublicThe turmoil in the landlocked African nation has prompted calls for France to intervene militarily in its former colony. 'Those days are gone,' said French President François Hollande.
UN envoy tries to revive Syria peace planThe plan from UN special envoy to Syria, Lakhdar Brahimi, is unlikely to gain traction without more concessions to the Syrian opposition.
