All Security Watch
Russia says it won't offer asylum to Syria's AssadBut that doesn't mean that President-elect Vladimir Putin will soften Russia's opposition to intervention in Syria, as the US had hoped.
Netanyahu gives Obama the Book of Esther. Biblical parable for nuclear Iran?Esther tells of a Persian plot against the Jews that was thwarted through cunning and the intercession of a gentile king. Purim, the holiday that celebrates the story, starts tonight.
Iran nuclear talks: delaying tactic or platform for peace?A return to the negotiation table could relieve some of the tension that has built up over threats of an Israeli military strike on Iran nuclear targets.
UN inspectors get rare access to suspected Iran nuclear siteTehran confirmed today that UN inspectors can visit Parchin, a military complex where a chamber for explosives tests has raised concerns about Iran nuclear weapons development.
Joe Scarborough implies General Dempsey unfit to lead joint chiefsThe morning talk-show host says Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Martin Dempsey's comments that Iran is a rational actor should be a firing offense.
Senator McCain calls for war in SyriaSenator John McCain took to the senate floor and made an impassioned plea for a US-led war effort. He's probably not going to get what he's asking for.- Inside AIPAC and out, Obama's opponents turn up the heatAttack ads from lobbying groups, warnings of nuclear doom from GOP hopefuls, and saber-rattling from the punditocracy surround AIPAC's annual meeting.
- Al Qaeda militants serious threat as Yemen transitions away from SalehAl Qaeda militants attacked several military bases in Yemen, killing hundreds and presenting an early challenge for the new government of Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi.
Iran debate: If Obama doesn't bluff, he's not a good poker playerPresident Obama's interview with The Atlantic can be seen as a preemptive strike to control the nuclear Iran narrative ahead of Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu's visit next week.
Update on Iraq: Not quite freedom on the marchThe crackdown on political protest in Iraq, from Baghdad to autonomous Kurdistan, shows that the country is far from a flourishing democracy.
Humanitarian aid arrives in Homs, Syria, as international pressure buildsEven China and Russia – Syrian allies – have joined the international push for humanitarian relief amid Assad's harsh crackdown.
If Israeli voters get their way, no attack on Iran without US helpSo says a new poll.- Something beautifulCary Huang's Scale of the Universe.
Why an apology on Afghan Quran burning mattersBecause it might save lives.- Afghan troops keep killing US troopsTwo more US soldiers were killed in a gunfight with an Afghan soldier today, bringing the total to six Americans killed in incidents since Qurans were burned at a US base.
Syria's nonviolent opposition aligns with armed groupsThe Syrian National Council announced that it has established links with the armed opposition faction, the Free Syrian Army, after months of hewing to nonviolence.
Egypt moves to defuse crisis over NGO trialsWhat exactly is happening isn't clear yet. But it seems fairly certain that Egypt's ruling junta is backing away from the prosecution of NGO workers that led to the worst US-Egypt diplomatic crisis in decades.- Mistaken identity? Top Al Qaeda leader Saif al-Adel probably not arrested in Cairo.So far, reports of the arrest of Al Qaeda's Saif al-Adel, once the group's top military planners, in Cairo don't appear to be correct.
Reports: Netanyahu will push Obama hard on IranIsraeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will reportedly ratchet up the pressure when he meets with President Obama in Washington next week.
Foreign journalist rescued from Homs...... and a reminder of the risks to everyone when reporters go to war zones.
