International jubilation following high participation in Iraq's elections is premature, argues Zaid Al-Ali.
Obama calls Hu Jintao to urge a tougher stance on Iran. Israel threatens another military operation against Gaza. Harmid Karzai launches an unprecedented attack on the international community. The South Korean President urges restraint over the sinking of a warship in the waters off North Korea. A
Traditional items on the Seder plate in the ceremonial meal which marks the beginning of the Jewish Passover prompt thoughts on the myth and reality of national liberation
Moscow Metro blasts kill 37. Israel closes the West Bank as U.S.-Israeli relations worsen. President Obama makes surprise visit to Afghanistan. Violence in Iraq as coalition talks begin. Thai protests continue as protest leaders meet with PM. All this and more, in today’s security update.
It is a time of danger in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict as well as crisis in Israel-United States relations. What are the prospects for movement in the blocked peace process; how do Palestinians in the occupied territories view the current stasis; and what role should the international communit
The sudden collision between Binyamin Netanyahu and Barack Obama’s administration is reverberating across the middle east. Thomas O'Dwyer gauges the impact in Israel and talks to a senior scholar of US-Israel relations.
The close race in Iraq’s elections sparks heightened tensions. The head of NATO calls for a missile defence pact targeting Iran. A South Korean vessel sinks off the coast of North Korea. All this and more, in today’s security update.
The doctrinal contempt of Islamist regimes for popular festivals such as the Iranian nowrooz (new year) extends to suspicion of every expression of spontaneous life. The result is to conjure the very rituals of resistance they fear, says Asef Bayat.
Netanyahu meets Obama in midst of Jerusalem settlement row. US-Pakistani talks seek better ties. Amnesty International urges Malaysia to protect migrant workers. Somali pirates seize ships in long-range attacks. US pledges support for Mexico drug war. All this and more in today’s security briefing
Afghan president holds talks with leading militant group. Sudan threatens to throw out international election observers. Pakistani nuclear scientist AQ Khan to come under renewed investigation. North Korea to try American man for illegal entry. All this and much more, in today’s security briefing.
U.S. envoy dispatched following settlement row and escalating violence in the West Bank. Tight race as Iraqis await final election results. FARC kidnaps five in Colombia. Influential Nepalese peace broker dies at 86. All this and more in today’s security briefing.