All Security Watch
UN envoy to Syria pins hopes for ending violence on observer missionKofi Annan said the observer mission was 'the only remaining chance to stabilize the country,' even though fighting has continued with observers on the ground.- China blames the Philippines for South China Sea disputeChina warned the Philippines that confrontation over a disputed island in the South China Sea could worsen. Beijing has made 'every preparation' to counter Manila's 'provocations.'
US hostage Warren Weinstein makes plea to Obama in Al Qaeda videoWarren Weinstein, a long time development expert who was kidnapped in Pakistan last year, said in a video released by Al Qaeda 'my life is in your hands, Mr. President.'
Where does the Israeli security establishment stand on attacking Iran?A look at disclosed positions.- Taliban suicide bombing in northwestern Pakistan kills at least 19The attack targeted members of a local security force that had helped kill or otherwise diminish the Taliban's power in the Bajaur district of Pakistan.
- Out of ideas, Palestinian Authority censors criticsThe Palestinian Authority of Mahmoud Abbas is growing increasingly intolerant of criticism. Last week the PA blocked eight websites tied to an Abbas rival.
Dissent, elections make Israel's next steps on Iran difficult to predictFormer government and security officials' criticism of the Netanyahu government's hard-line approach on Iran is now coupled with the uncertainty of an election campaign.
Concerns ahead for Egypt's election monitoringThe rules governing the monitors overseeing Egypt's presidential elections are very restrictive, reducing election transparency and making it easy for monitors to be disqualified.
Egypt political chaos threatening to foment actual chaosClashes between gunmen and protesters near the Egyptian Ministry of Defense in Cairo have left at least 11 dead in the past 24 hours, inflaming an already tense and uncertain political transition.
Al Shabab strikes Somali lawmakersA suicide bombing in a Somali town more than 300 miles from Mogadishu killed at least two lawmakers who were engaged in trying to set up a lasting government.
In Malaysia, a May Day pay raise, but no victory for democratic reformersThe protesters of the Malaysia's Bersih democracy reform movement appear to have pushed Malaysia into announcing its first ever minimum wage. Electoral reform is something else again.
Rupert Murdoch declared unfit to lead. The price of half-truths?A UK parliamentary committee declared Rupert Murdoch 'unfit' to run his global media empire, which could have implications for his stake in the profitable satellite TV network BskyB.
One year after Osama bin Laden's killing, Al Qaeda is in tattersWhile his murderous ideology persists in pockets of the Middle East and beyond, Al Qaeda as it was understood after Sept. 11 has failed.
Both sides violating Syria cease-fire. Still worth supporting?United Nations chief Ban Ki-moon called on all parties in Syria to stand by the cease-fire, which has been repeatedly violated by both the government and the opposition.
Israel security establishment goes where US politicians fear to tredDisagreements in Israel over whether to attack Iran have erupted into the open. In one corner, the Netanyahu government. In the other, a number of Israeli security officials.- Ahead of elections, Egypt's state propaganda machine rolls onEgypt's government paper Al Ahram was the central arm of state propaganda during the reign of Hosni Mubarak. Ahead of elections, it's taking aim once again at Egypt's Islamists.
How US special forces help in the hunt for Joseph KonySome 100 Special Forces soldiers are advising and training regional troops searching for Joseph Kony, leader of the Lord's Resistance Army, in central Africa.- Reform and rumblings in JordanThe Hashemite Kingdom has weathered the past year of regional political upheaval surprisingly well. But the resignation of the prime minister is a reminder of unmet demands for change.
Israeli leadership denies divisions on Iran, after army chief made a stirIsraeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak insisted that Iranian leaders are not rational, rebutting comments made earlier in the week by IDF chief Benny Gantz.- Egypt 'necrophilia law'? Hooey, utter hooey.'Necrophilia law'? Don't believe everything you read on the Internet, kids. At least until there's like, you know, some proof.
