All articles from Howard LaFranchi

US names 18 Russians as human rights violators. What happens next?

The law requiring the administration's action roiled US-Russia relations after its passage last year. Some in Congress said the list of 18 rights violators was too short, but the US is bracing for blowback.
North Korea crisis: Can John Kerry persuade China to lean harder on Kim?

Secretary of State John Kerry meets with Chinese officials in Beijing Saturday, with tensions spiraling ever higher in the region as North Korea threatens to carry out a ballistic missile test.
For former Iranian 'terrorists,' a warm Washington welcome

With Washington luminaries in attendance, the Iranian dissident group NCRI and its formerly armed wing MEK inaugurated their sleek new offices Thursday, within sight of the White House.
What hope for diplomacy to defuse North Korea crisis?

Any diplomatic resolution to the North Korea crisis depends upon China's priorities and Kim Jong-un himself. Here's why both are difficult to gauge as Secretary of State John Kerry prepares to travel to the region.
Margaret Thatcher: 'This is no time to go wobbly' and other memorable quotes

A Monitor reporter who briefly overlapped with Margaret Thatcher when he was Paris correspondent recounts her outsized presence at European gatherings.
Were chemical weapons used in Syria? UN team poised for probe.

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad called for a chemical-weapons investigation of an alleged March 19 attack, but he’s apparently gotten cold feet. Here's why.
Secretary Kerry returning to Mideast: How much nudging will he do?

Seeking to build on Obama's recent visit, John Kerry will be in Turkey and Israel – already his third trip there as secretary – to signal the Mideast parties 'he's serious' about making peace.
North Korea: What message will John Kerry take to Asia next week?

Secretary of State John Kerry will start a trip to China, South Korea, and Japan next week. Now that the US has taken military precautions, he's expected to speak softly.
What should readers look for in new Hillary Clinton memoir?

Hillary Clinton is expected to offer an inside look at her term as secretary of State in a new memoir. But those looking for her thoughts on running for president in 2016 might be disappointed.
Singapore urges Obama to take stronger stand in Asia

In Washington, Singapore's Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong says that the US must strengthen its economic ties in Asia to maintain a leadership role and balance the rise of China.
UN approves Arms Trade Treaty. Will US Senate ratify it?

The Arms Trade Treaty, the first international regulations of the multibillion-dollar trade, passed by a 154-to-3 vote. Some members of Congress have opposed it.
Rio gang-rape spotlights problem faced by developing-world cities

The gang-rape ordeal the American woman and her companion endured puts a focus on safety issues as Rio leaders prepare to host both the World Cup and Summer Olympics.
North Korea: US signals strength, but speaks softly

In response to the threats from North Korea's untested young leader, the Obama administration has sought to reassure the US public and allies alike, but without saying very much.
Russia backs Syria, firmly, as UN prepares chemical weapons probe

The diplomatic impasse over Syria deepens, as Russia blasts moves to recognize the Syrian opposition and demands to be represented in the UN investigation into alleged use of chemical weapons.
As Arms Trade Treaty nears vote at UN, critics in US see a 'gun grab'

UN is set to vote Thursday on a proposed Arms Trade Treaty to regulate global imports and exports of conventional weapons. Backers see a way to prevent human rights abuses. Critics see red flags, including curtailed access for Americans to imported guns.
John Kerry urges Iraq to inspect Iranian overflights to Syria (+video)

Secretary of State John Kerry tells Iraq it must curb Iran's use of Iraqi airspace to aid Syrian regime, but a shrinking US presence is leaving it with less sway over postwar events.
Israel apologizes to Turkey: how Syrian crisis helped Obama make his case

Motivated by increasing concerns over the crisis in Syria, US officials say, Obama implored Israel's Netanyahu to reach out to Turkey. Erdogan's office said the apology was accepted.
Obama to Israelis: 'Put yourself' in Palestinians' shoes

President Obama took a fatherly approach in his speech to Israelis Thursday, both assuring them of America's commitment to their country and urging them to make the hard choices for peace.
Obama and Netanyahu: In Israel, a show of warmth as region heats up

President Obama and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called each other by first names in their press conference Wednesday. Syria and Iran appeared to figure prominently in their discussions.
Mideast peace: Will Obama give Kerry a chance? Israel trip could offer clue. (+video)

The Mideast peace process may not be at the top of Obama's agenda, but analysts say Secretary Kerry, who is accompanying the president in Israel, is eager to tackle the challenge.