All Security Watch
- Last post on US politics and the Benghazi attack
I hope.
- In US politics, foreign things are very suspicious ...
... and market-oriented approaches to greenhouse-gas emissions are 'radical.' But I missed the moment when corndogs became un-American.
- Revisiting the tragic Italian earthquake manslaughter verdict
Trying to be a little fairer to the Italian prosecution that sentenced seven men to prison for failing to 'adequately warn' about the L'Aquila earthquake.
- Did Israel just blow up an Iranian weapons factory in Sudan?
The Sudanese government blames Israel for an explosion at a munitions plant in Khartoum. Israeli media have reported the factory is owned by Iran's Revolutionary Guard and made arms for Hamas.
- Brahimi's plan for Syria cease-fire takes two steps forward, one step back
United Nations Syria envoy Brahimi said both the Syrian government and rebels agreed to a cease-fire for Eid al-Adha, but major disagreements could foil its chances of success.
- Qatari emir comes to Gaza bearing gifts – maybe with some strings attached
Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani's visit, pegged to the delivery of a hefty aid package, is the latest iteration of Qatar's efforts to expand its political influence in the region.
- Earthquake predictions and a triumph of scientific illiteracy in an Italian court
An Italian court sentenced scientists to jail time for not having a functioning crystal ball ahead of the 2009 earthquake in L'Aquila. The arguments of science and reason fell on deaf ears.
- Women in power are good for women's rights, right?
Not necessarily.
- In Indonesian business, the more things change...
A Rothschild scion is disappointed to learn that his Indonesian partners have treated him much like politically connected Indonesian businessmen have treated foreign partners for decades.
- IssaLeaks: More fallout from the Benghazi killings
Was it a good idea to release a lot of un-redacted State Department memos from Libya? Probably not.
- Syria: Little hope for Eid ceasefire as conflict spills across borders
An Arab League official indicates a cease-fire is unlikely as Syrian President Assad has signaled little support. Meanwhile, the conflict is showing signs of spilling into Lebanon and Jordan.
- China's naval exercises in East China Sea send warning to regional rivals
Chinese naval exercises today simulated a conflict in disputed waters. Tensions between China and Japan have been mounting over claims to a set of islands in the East China Sea.
- What really happened in Benghazi?
Well, I still have no idea. But apparently a mastermind has been named.
- There will be no cease-fire in Syria
At least not one that matters.
- Cease-fire in Syria? Support from Iran and Turkey boosts UN envoy's bid
Iran and Turkey back opposite sides in the Syria conflict, but the two powers are united in support for UN envoy Lakhdar Brahimi's proposal for a cease-fire later this month.
- Getting in on the Benghazi blame game
Here's a list of where you should really be looking if you enjoy finger-pointing.
- UN envoy to Syria visits region to resurrect cease-fire efforts
The United Nations' envoy to Syria, Lakhdar Brahimi, visited Beirut today touting a fresh cease-fire for Syria. Damascus said it could support the plan, but said rebel disunity is a key obstacle.
- A senior Iraqi official ponders if his government is a client of Iran's
Why not? Everyone else is doing it.
- Former Serb leader Karadzic: I deserve reward, not punishment
Former Serbian leader Radovan Karadzic is on trial at The Hague for 10 counts of genocide and crimes against humanity. He opened his defense today by saying he had done everything 'in human power' to avoid war.
- A quiet waiver for Pakistan from the Obama administration
In September, the Obama administration waived conditions that would have halted $2 billion in aid to Pakistan on the grounds it hasn't made progress in fighting terrorism. Why? 'National security.'