All Security Watch
- Report: Russia sending naval ships to Syria in case of evacuationRussia plans to dispatch two ships carrying marines to its naval base in Tartous, reportedly to protect Russian citizens and evacuate them if needed.
- Why the UN suspended ineffective observer mission in SyriaCiting the safety of unarmed observers, the UN has suspended its Syria monitoring effort. It's the first step toward crafting a new international approach.
- Thomas Friedman... for her!A new bar has been set for internet parodies of the New York Times columnist Thomas Friedman.
Egypt's ruling junta consolidates its positionWith parliament dissolved, a retired air force general and long-time Mubarak crony in a runoff for the presidency, and democracy activists in disarray, Egypt's ruling junta is in the catbird seat.
Japan catches final fugitive in 1995 nerve gas attackIn 1995, members of the Aum Shinrikyo religious cult shook Japan when they released sarin nerve gas into the Tokyo subway system, killing 13 people and injuring thousands.
Tehran's No. 1 demand for Iran nuclear talks in MoscowIn the buildup to next week's Iran nuclear talks in Moscow, Tehran has demanded that Western powers formally acknowledge its right to enrich uranium.
Syria war drumbeat builds, but where is it leading?Pundits from John Bolton to Nick Kristof are issuing calls to arms. But there's little regard for national interest, or the law of unintended consequences, in the urgings to act now.
Car bombings hit Shiite pilgrimage, underscoring Iraq's sectarian divideSunni-Shiite tensions are high in Iraq, where Prime Minister Maliki's coalition government partners – particularly one Sunni bloc – accuse him of failing to share power.
US: Syria plotting more massacres, but intervening would make it worseAt a State Department briefing yesterday, a reporter asked why the US would not intervene if it knew massacres were likely to occur. The response: 'Do you have a specific proposal in mind?'
In bid for unity, Syrian opposition group picks Kurd to leadThe election of Abdelbaset Sieda to the presidency of the Syrian National Council is being held up as a sign that a post-Assad Syria would be a safe place for all minorities.
World powers watch IAEA talks for signs of Iranian flexibilityToday's meeting between Iran and the IAEA to set up a framework to investigate a controversial Iranian military site is also seen as a warmup for Moscow talks later this month.
Kofi Annan admits Syria plan failing, calls for international actionFormer UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, the UN's special envoy to Syria, essentially admitted his mediation efforts have failed in a speech at the UN and laid most of the blame at the feet of Bashar al-Assad.- Can we declare the war on terrorism over?Or at least stop spending so much money on it?
Kofi Annan to propose role for Iran to revive Syria peace planKofi Annan's peace plan for Syria has been deemed a failure by most. Today he will announce a proposal to revive it that includes bringing Iran into the diplomatic process.
US confirms Al Qaeda's No. 2 killed in Pakistan by CIA drone attackThe US called the death of al-Libi the most serious blow to Al Qaeda since the death of Osama bin Laden last year.
The latest 'top Al Qaeda leader' reported killed in PakistanThe US says it has confirmed that it killed Abu Yahya al-Libi, an Al Qaeda leader who escaped US custody in 2005, in a drone strike in Pakistan, but what's in this report?
Why it's time to call Syria a civil warA generally accepted definition of civil war is a fight for control of a nation, involving the state, one or more non-state actors, and at least 1,000 battlefield casualties. Sounds like Syria.
UN nuclear watchdog announces talks with Iran – and suspicions about a coverupThe International Atomic Energy Agency announced it would meet with Iran in Vienna this week and also acknowledged concerns about a cleanup at a military site where it suspects past weapons-related activities.
Syria likely to overshadow agenda as EU leaders gather in Russia with PutinThe summit is intended to allow EU leaders to reacquaint themselves with President Vladimir Putin, but they are expected to lean on him to take a stronger stand on Syria.
Assange and allies claim vast conspiracy as extradition fight hits home stretchTwo women in Sweden allege they were sexually assaulted by Julian Assange, the Wikileaks founder. Assange and many supporters say they're part of a vast conspiracy against him.
