Lebanon
The crisis in Syria is reopening Lebanon’s old war divisions
Yearly Archives: 2012
Iran
The UN’s nuclear inspection agency failed to reach an agreement with Iran over access to sites suspected of being used for testing nuclear weapon components. The failure dims prospects for higher level talks over Iran’s nuclear program scheduled for later this month.
Russia
In Its Stance on Syria, Russia Takes Substantial Risks
Syria
Syria rebels gaining ground, strength
Syria
For the first time, intense fighting erupted in the capital of Damascus. The Syrian army shelled the town of Deraa, killing 17. Homs was also shelled. Russia said it might might back Assad’s departure, but would not support foreign intervention.
Somalia
The Kenya Defense Force said that it will not negotiate with Shabaab to release two government employees who were kidnapped in Somalia. Prime Minister Mohammed denied that the government cannot account for more than $130 million in foreign aid.
Taliban suicide bomber kills 4 French soldiers
The Taliban claimed credit for the suicide attack. “Foreign fighters” are known to operate in the area.
Afghanistan
Afghanistan – No more air airstrikes on civilian houses: Allen
Afghanistan
Sar-e Pul Security Chiefs Sacked over Jail Break
Afghanistan
Parting Gift for Afghans: A Military McMansion
Russia
Russia says is not against Assad’s departure
Afghanistan
Fight Isn’t Over for Soldiers in Remote Afghanistan
Mali
Tribal fighters from the Islamist Ansar Dine and the secular Tuareg MNLA clashed in Kidal after 500 people protested the imposition of sharia law. The two groups seized northern Mali in March and formed a pact in May. The president of Niger said militants in northern Mali are being trained by jihadists from Pakistan and […]
Egypt
After months of deadlock, Islamist and secular political parties reached an agreement on the their roles in writing a new Egyptian constitution. In a victory for the secular parties, the delegate votes would be split 50-50.
African Union
Defections put militant al-Shabab on the run in Somalia
Afghanistan
China Shows Interest in Afghan Security, Fearing Taliban Would Help Separatists
Afghanistan
Millions of Dollars of US Gear to Combat IEDs Wasted in Pakistan
Egypt
Egypt’s Islamists give secular parties equal role in constitution writing
United States
Bradley Manning fails to persuade military judge to throw out charges
China
US, Philippine leaders hail growing alliance
Haqqani Network
Dempsey voices Pakistan frustrations over Haqqani network inaction
Afghanistan
CIA gets nod to step up drone strikes in Pakistan
Afghanistan
Several Taliban fighters and prisoners escaped from a jail in Sar-i-Pul; five people were killed during the jailbreak. Gunmen killed a police commander in Jawzjan. General Allen apologized for the airstrike that accidentally killed civilians in Logar.
Iraq
Insurgents killed four Iraqis in shootings and bombings in Baghdad, Balad Ruz, and Kirkuk. A colonel was killed and his family wounded in Baghdad, while a soldier was killed in Kirkuk.
Al Qaeda
Yemeni al Qaeda adjusting for survival
Syria
UN observers reached the town of Qubair, the site of a reported massacre by pro-government forces. An accompanying journalist described “an appalling scene, a scorched earth policy that left nothing in the village alive.” Another reported signs of “serious violence.” A survivor was interviewed.
Yemen
Five tribesmen and three al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula fighters were killed during fighting to control Al Bais, a town north of Jaar. A senior cleric called for AQAP to lay down its weapons and said suicide bombings are not part of jihad.
Somalia
Kenyan helicopters fired on Kismayo while Shabaab cordoned the city. Four people were killed during clashes between Shabaab and Somali forces in Garbaharay. The head of AMISOM said that Balad is the next town to be wrested from Shabaab’s control.
Nigeria
A Boko Haram suicide bomber killed four people, including a policeman, in an attack on a police headquarters in Maiduguri. A suspected Boko Haram fighter died in a premature detonation in Maiduguri.
Syria
Regime-backed militia does Syria’s ‘dirty work,’ analysts say