Syria
Syrian troops resumed their shelling of residential neighborhoods, threatening a fragile ceasefire. The UN Security Council unanimously approved a resolution sending up to 250 observers to Syria.
Author Archives: CJ Radin
Egypt
In a surprise move, Egyptian election officials barred 10 of of 23 candidates from running in upcoming presidential elections. Those disqualified included a former spy chief in the Mubarak regime, a Muslim Brotherhood candidate, and a Salafi cleric.
Iran
Iran, the US, and five other countries began talks in Turkey over Iran’s nuclear program, the first such meeting in one and a half years. The first day’s meeting was described as “constructive,” “positive,” and “completely different” from the previous meeting.
Syria
Syria ceasefire: five potential stumbling blocks
Syria
The ceasefire held for a third day, although some shelling was reported. The UN Security Council approved a resolution to send an observer mission to Syria.
Sudan
Sudan’s army attacked the disputed town of Heglig in order to oust South Sudanese forces from the oil-producing area. The South Sudan army said it repelled the attack.
Syria
A ceasefire between the Assad regime and opponents held for a second day although some violence continued. The opposition staged protests across the country. UN observers readied to deploy to Syria for a monitoring mission once the Security Council gives its approval.
North Korea
North Korea’s launch of a long-range rocket failed soon after takeoff. The UN Security Council condemned the launch. The US canceled food aid to North Korea. Japan said it would consider economic sanctions. Russia urged restraint. China urged calm. North Korea promoted Kim Jong-un to a top military post.
Syria
Fight against Assad just begun, Syrians in Turkey say
Syria
After previous failures, a ceasefire appears to be holding across the country despite some incidents. However, troops and heavy weapons have not been withdrawn from towns. Protesters took to the streets in several cities.
Syria
After failing to meet an April 10 deadline to halt attacks on opponents, the government said it would stop attacks by 6 a.m. on April 12. The US doubted Syria would follow though. China repeated its call for calm. The Syrian army continued attacks in Hama and Rastan.
US to conduct its last ‘clearing’ operation of the Afghan war
Nearing a significant milestone, elements of the 82nd Airborne Division will soon start to conduct the US military’s last major ‘clearing’ operation of the Afghan war.
Sudan
Border clashes erupted between Sudan and South Sudan, threatening war. Sudan stopped all talks with South Sudan and mobilized its army.
North Korea
North Korea said it was ready to launch its long-range rocket. The US and South Korea said the launch would be regarded as provocative. Russia criticized the planned launch. China called for calm.
Syria
Syria ignored the UN deadline for a pullback of troops from urban areas. Syrian officials said some troops were pulled back, but France called this a “blatant lie” and the US saw no evidence of a pullback. Turkey agreed. Rebels reported shelling in Homs, Hama, and Aleppo.
North Korea
China, between a rocket and a hard place on North Korea
North Korea
In a further escalation of tensions, South Korea intelligence officials said North Korea was preparing to conduct another nuclear bomb test. The report followed an announcement by North Korea that it would launch a long-range rocket later this month.
Iran
Iran and Western nations agreed to a new round of nuclear talks in Istanbul starting April 14. US and Europe called on Iran to end uranium enrichment. Iran indicated a compromise may be possible.
Syria
Prospects for the latest UN-sponsored peace plan faded as violence spread. Government forces shelled the city of Homs, killing 30. Turkey protested after Syrian government forces fired at a refugee camp across the border.
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Western powers to demand closure of Iran’s best-protected uranium facility
Iran
US intelligence gains in Iran seen as boost to confidence
North Korea
North Korea moved ahead with plans to launch a long-range rocket despite international warnings. North Korea announced plans last month to launch a communications satellite during the April celebrations of the birth of North Korea’s founder Kim Il Sung.
Syria
The government demanded written guarantees from opponents before withdrawing troops. The opposition refused. The leader of the Free Syrian Army said the peace plan deal will fail. Government forces shelled rebel areas near the Turkish border.
Iran
A member of parliament said Iran had the capability to build nuclear weapons but will never do so. Turkey’s prime minister said he believed Iran did not wish to build nuclear weapons. The US told Iran it would accept a civilian nuclear program if Iran did not develop nuclear weapons.
Syria
Syria’s death toll surged; over 150 were reportedly killed today. The violence set off an exodus of refugees to Turkey and Lebanon. Turkey expressed its alarm over the worsening situation.
Egypt
The Egyptian army launched an assault against terrorist groups in northern Sinai. The assault came days after militants fired rockets into southern Israel and a gas pipeline was bombed.
Iran
China warned against using force on Iran, saying an attack would invite devastating retaliation that would envelop the region. The US continued to tighten sanctions.
Syria
Attacks on the Syrian opposition continued. Thousands demonstrated across the country demanding an end to the regime. The UN Security Council urged the Syrian government to halt attacks. Turkey told the UN it needed help with Syrian refugees.
United Arab Emirates
United Arab Emirates detained two members of a US pro-democracy organization and barred a third from leaving the country. Two other pro-democracy organizations, an American and German, were shut down.
Syria
Syrian government troops launched a new round of assaults across the country. The Douma suburb of Damascus was also attacked. More than 20,000 refugees have fled to Turkey.