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.
There is an increasing mismatch between the demands on the American presidency and the realities that constrain it, says Godfrey Hodgson
Anti-government protesters in Iran subject to police violence. US clueless on Bin Laden’s location. Police in Sudan break up opposition rally. Zimbabwe still in need of $378m in aid. India and Russia reach agreement on nuclear programme. All this and more in today's update.
Allied countries inside and outside NATO have committed an additional 7,000 troops to Afghanistan. A bloody suicide attack has left at least 37 dead in Pakistan. The Islamic militant group al-Shabab has denied involvement in Thursday’s bomb attack in Somalia, accusing the Somali government instead
Obama announces 30,000 troop build-up in Afghanistan. Sri Lanka must help refugees leaving camps, say UN and rights groups. Chechen rebels claim responsibility for Russian train bomb. Iran releases five British sailors. Bhopal water sill toxic 25 years after deadly gas leak. Suicide bomber hits Is
Global cities linking global economic circuits are also home to transnational criminals and global gangs. This essay examines the policy implications of gangs in the global city.
After massive pressure from US diplomats the European Union has agreed to prolong the covert monitoring of international financial transactions. The so called “SWIFT agreement”, named after the Society for
China calls for talks with Iran rather than sanctions. Obama to announce 34,000 troop increase. Israel lashes out at EU over Jerusalem. Philippine mayor charged over political massacre. Iran seizes five British sailors. All this and much more, in today’s briefing.
Iran intends to continue its uranium enrichment programme. Somali pirates take America-bound oil vessel. Israel outlines prisoner exchange. Britain insists Pakistan and Afghanistan contribute more to counter-insurgency. Saudi Arabian claims victory over Yemeni rebels. All this and more in today's
The prime minister of Pakistan has warned the Obama administration against increasing troop levels in Afghanistan. The IAEA has levelled unprecedented criticism against Iran and its nuclear ambitions. The Indian defence minister has voiced concern over increasingly close ties between Beijing and I
