In 2003 the bodies of 32 Spanish deceased soldiers who died on their return from Afghanistan were handed to the wrong families. Six years on, the search for responsibility continues, or does it?
Employees of the private security firm Xe, formerly known as Blackwater, directly participated in CIA counterinsurgency operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. European leaders threaten Iran with imminent sanctions. North Korea announces that it is ready to co-operate with the United States. All this
Wealthy nations are accused of 'carbon colonialism' as leaked climate draft sparks anger. General McChrystal welcomes the new surge-and-exit strategy in Afghanistan. Fourteen wounded as Malaysian PM visits Thai south. No deal yet on Israel's Shalit according to Palestinian Authority. Iraq's Prime
Multiple explosions kill over 100 people in Baghdad. Gates to put pressure on Karzai in Kabul. US envoy commences talks with North Korea. Deadly attacks strike Pakistani cities. All this and more in today’s update.
Disputes over the allocation of votes threatens not only to delay Iraq's January elections but to enflame sectarian tensions and Sunni alienation from the political establishment.
Following its renaming and Ammar al-Hakim's succession as leader following his father's death, the Islamic Supreme Council of Iraq has become increasingly concillatory in its posture on Iraq's former regime and Sunni heritage. But will words be translated into action?
Following oppression under the rule of Sadam Hussein, Iraqi's Isamists appeared set to take centre stage in the country's politics. Six years on, the popularity of Islamism is fragile, and the secular nationalism once espoused by the Ba'athists is again in resurgence.
Rwanda’s Commonwealth bid meets opposition on human rights grounds. Iran’s opposition resolute in the face of government crackdown. Iraqi government bypasses electoral veto. 21 killed in violence over Philippine elections. Algerian 9/11 suspect proved innocent. All this and more in today's securit
Iraqi vice-president’s veto threatens Iraqi elections. Seven out of ten Afghans blame poverty and corruption for continued instability. Israel plans to expand settlement in East Jerusalem. Six suspected Muslim separatists killed in South Thailand. Five Iranian protestors sentenced to death. All th
Afghan government reveals new unit to tackle corruption. UN inspectors warn of more hidden nuclear sites in Iran. Thirteen Iraqi villagers killed by gunmen. China and US remain divided on Iran. All this and much more, in today’s security briefing.
South and North Korean ships clash off west coast. Iran charges US hikers with espionage. Japan promises $5 bn aid package for Afghanistan. Somali pirates expand operations. Fort Hood gunman linked to Al Qaeda. All this and much more, in today’s security update...
Abbas's threat to resign puts PA in jeopardy. China outlines £6bn plan for African development. Saudi forces gain ground against Shia insurgents. Market bombing kills mayor and eleven others near Peshawar, Pakistan. Iraq agrees essential electoral law. Obama announces 34,000 more troops for Afghan
