All Security Watch
Israel legalizes three more West Bank settlement outpostsThe decision, which is part of a broader settlement expansion, could pave the way for similar legalizations. Prospects for meaningful peace talks just grew dimmer.
Adel Imam, Egypt's favorite funnyman, dodges a bulletAdel Imam, arguably Egypt and the Arab world's most famous comedic actor, had his conviction for 'insulting Islam' overturned today. But another was upheld earlier this week.
The hawkish bits of VP hopeful Marco Rubio's foreign policy speechSenator Marco Rubio's foreign policy speech yesterday, taken by many as part of a campaign to be Mitt Romney's running mate, points to a politician who favors foreign interventions.
Syrian regime fights on, but is running out of moneyThe Arab League called an emergency meeting today to debate next steps, amid reports that Syria is violating a UN cease-fire. Some advocate staying the course, as sanctions start to pinch.
Israeli army chief says he doubts Iran will build a nuclear weaponIn an interview with Haaretz, Israel Defense Forces Chief of Staff Benny Gantz acknowledged the threat of a nuclear Iran but said Tehran wasn't likely to go there, citing its 'rational' leadership.
After Formula One scrutiny, Bahrain hires a fan of Saddam Hussein to improve its imageWell, nothing else is working.
Observers in Syria having an impact, but only 11 on the ground so farAnother 100 are slated to come in a month. 'Are they coming on horses?' asks an exasperated activist.- Israeli ties with Egypt strained by transition?Though Egypt and Israel insist the decision to end a gas sales contract wasn't political, it's hard to see annulling the largest ever contract between the two countries as anything but.
North Korea threat: China reaches out to agitated PyongyangNorth Korea threat: Washington says it has traced the sale of truck parts North Korea used to transport missiles to a Chinese company. Is Beijing not fully enforcing sanctions on North Korea?
Egypt's cancellation of gas sales to Israel was inevitableThe gas pipeline had long drawn complaints of Mubarak-era corruption, popular anger at Israel, and the failure of commercial dealings to improve Egypt-Israel ties.
Amid dispute over oil, Sudan bombs South Sudanese townsWhen South Sudan declared independence from Sudan, it took three quarters of the formerly united country's oil, which has since been a source of tension and conflict.
Teargas on democracy protesters? Bahrain Grand Prix sponsors say 'no problem'It appears the Formula One Bahrain Grand Prix scheduled for this weekend will go on, despite the use of tear gas and rubber bullets on protesters there. Advertisers don't appear worried about any backlash.
Beijing responds calmly to India missile testThe Chinese government has underscored its desire for cooperation with India, rather than an arms race.
India tests missile that can reach ChinaThe successful test launch of India's Agni-V missile means that India now has a long-range missile that can reach China's population centers, giving it a new level of deterrence.
When Assange meets Nasrallah, you learn the most about AssangeJulian Assange, the embattled Wikileaks leader, started his new chat show with an interview of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah.
North Korea declares food-for-nukes deal overCiting the United States' postponement of delivery of food aid, North Korea says that it is no longer obligated to hold off on nuclear development.
Afghanistan: overinterpreting the Kabul attackA coordinated attack in the heart of Kabul - which coincided with attacks in three other provinces - isn't a good thing. But sign of imminent defeat or victory? Hardly.
All parties make contingency plans as Syria's cease-fire wobblesThe US envoy to the UN warned that a monitor mission could be curtailed, while rebel fighters amassed weapons in preparation for a renewal of fighting.- Egypt's ad hoc transition planLeading Egyptian presidential candidates have been tossed out of the race, distrust of Egypt's military rulers is rising, and the timeline for writing a new constitution has been tossed out the window.
Coup predictions: Africa doesn't look as volatile as you might thinkRecent coups in Mali and Guinea-Bissau don't amount to a big continental shift, according to a new statistical analysis.
