Yemen’s foreign minister rejects possibility of US intervention in its battle against al-Qaeda, suggesting fears that US support might do more harm than good. Aid agencies warn of return to war in southern Sudan. Indian security forces bring day-long siege in Srinagar to an end with death of two m
President Barack Obama criticises intelligence agencies for security failings as airport security undergoes review worldwide. The UN food agency suspends operations in south Somalia. A suicide attack in Dagestan kills six people. Egyptian police clash with Gaza aid activists. Britain and France re
Criminalisation of narcotics has little impact on consumption but creates a criminal class and a professional lobby of law-enforcers. Shaw describes this process from the inside.
Without strategy, the science of war overtakes the art of war.
The “salvation narrative” projected onto Barack Obama created false expectations on the left and invited his demonisation by the right
Iran raises nuclear tension with missile test launch. Israel reacts angrily to Tzipi Livni arrest warrant issued by British court. US jail to hold 100 Guantanamo inmates. Amnesty International condemns Australia’s asylum policies. Danish police tear gas climate protestors. All this and more in tod
Secret document shows Iran working on key nuclear bomb component. Car bomb kills eight near Kabul hotel. Japan postpones decision on US Okinawa base. Sri Lanka general denies surrendered Tamil rebels shot. All this and much more in today’s security update.
America's strategic ambiguity in Afghanistan and elsewhere has made understanding its operational doctrine all the more crucial.
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
