Lebanon
The crisis in Syria is reopening Lebanon’s old war divisions
The crisis in Syria is reopening Lebanon’s old war divisions
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.
In Its Stance on Syria, Russia Takes Substantial Risks
Syria rebels gaining ground, strength
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.
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.
The Taliban claimed credit for the suicide attack. “Foreign fighters” are known to operate in the area.
Afghanistan – No more air airstrikes on civilian houses: Allen
Sar-e Pul Security Chiefs Sacked over Jail Break
Parting Gift for Afghans: A Military McMansion
Russia says is not against Assad’s departure
Fight Isn’t Over for Soldiers in Remote Afghanistan
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 […]
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.
Defections put militant al-Shabab on the run in Somalia
China Shows Interest in Afghan Security, Fearing Taliban Would Help Separatists
Millions of Dollars of US Gear to Combat IEDs Wasted in Pakistan
Egypt’s Islamists give secular parties equal role in constitution writing
Bradley Manning fails to persuade military judge to throw out charges
US, Philippine leaders hail growing alliance
Dempsey voices Pakistan frustrations over Haqqani network inaction
CIA gets nod to step up drone strikes in Pakistan
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.
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.
Yemeni al Qaeda adjusting for survival
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.
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.
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.
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.
Regime-backed militia does Syria’s ‘dirty work,’ analysts say