Cheney: threaten Iran
The internal debate in the White House over policy towards Iran has tilted in a more hawkish direction. While both Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice and Secretary of Defence Bob Gates support an intensified diplomatic offensive, Vice President Dick Cheney seems to have persuaded George W Bush that Tehran must be confronted with military threats. Cheney and Bush were displeased with analysis that suggested that the path of negotiations would take until 2009 to reach a definitive outcome. Both want to affect a change in Iran's nuclear stance before they step out of office in 18 months.To receive our daily security briefings, click here.
Militants call off the Waziristan accord
Pashtun militants in the northwestern "tribal" areas of Pakistan have ended their involvement in a controversial pact signed with the Pakistani government in September 2006. The Waziristan Accord allowed locals a degree of autonomy in the restive region in exchange for not harbouring foreign Islamist militants. Critics inside and outside Pakistan have argued that the Accord has since speeded the "Talibanisation" of the northwest.
In the aftermath of the bitter Lal Masjid dispute, militants in the northwest have stepped up attacks against Pakistani security forces in the region, marking the Islamabad's attempts to negotiate with the borderland fighters. Thousands have fled the fighting.
The United States has pledged to assist Islamabad as much as possible in its fight against militants in the northwest.
Indo-Iranian-Pak Gas deal reached
Negotiators from Iran, Pakistan and India have finally reached agreement on the establishment of a gas pipeline through the three countries. The deal was held up over a dispute about pricing, which has since been resolved with the adoption of the price of natural gas in Japan as a suitable yardstick.
Blasts rock oil city of Kirkuk
Two separate bomb blasts have killed at least 80 people and injured over 100 in the northern Iraqi city of Kirkuk. The strategically important city is claimed by a number of sectarian groups.
US forces have launched a new operation, "Marne Avalance", against al-Qaida affiliated militants in the farmland south of Baghdad, in a bid to stem the flow of weapons and supplies to fighters in the south of the city.
Australia defies bail order in keeping Haneef
After a magistrates court in Brisbane found no clear link between him and the failed bombings in London and Glasgow, Australian officials continue to keep Indian doctor Muhammad Haneef in detention despite the suspect having posted bail.
Two men arrested on 2 July in connection with the failed bombings have been released without charge.
NZ-Malay security pact
New Zealand and Malaysia have pledged to step up counter-terrorism coordination, as New Zealander Prime Minister Helen Clark visits Kuala Lumpur.
Santiago UK embassy blast
A small bomb exploded outside the British embassy in the Chilean capital Santiago. Minor damage was caused to the building, but no casualties were reported.
Nepal's Maoists gain political legitimacy
In a further step towards the political reconciliation of the bitter civil war that claimed thousands of live in Nepal, the former rebel Maoists are now officially registered as a political party.
To close or not to close?
The Council on Foreign Relations website hosts a lively debate on the future of the Guantanamo Bay detention facility.
Sixteen inmates at Gitmo from Saudi Arabia have been returned to the custody of Saudi officials.
UK security chief call for longer detentions
Lord West, the UK's new security minister, has called for an extension of the 28-day limit for holding terrorism suspects without charge. New prime minister Gordon Brown has pledged to revisit the issue in the autumn.
Ethiopia jails 35 opposition leaders for life
An Ethiopian court sentenced 35 opposition politicians to life in prison and banned them from further involvement in political life after they were convicted for "inciting violence" in an effort to topple the government.
Humanitarian hawks?
The left-of centre Nation magazine critiques the unholy alliance between the US military and the academics at Harvard's Carr Centre for Human Rights.
