Topic: Briefing

Briefing Osama bin Laden's life in Pakistan

A leaked report reveals new details, as well as a nation's vulnerabilities.

Briefing What's behind the attacks on Shiites in Pakistan?

More than 300 Shiite Muslims have been killed in four major attacks in Pakistan since the start of 2013. Country-wide protests among Shiites and supporters have, however, yet to result in a full-scale crackdown on extremist militants. 

Briefing Five things to understand about Turkey's protests

The unrest is unlikely to become a “Turkish Spring,” but it is testing democracy in Turkey.

Briefing How Russia views nuclear disarmament - and why it may resist

In his speech today in Berlin, President Obama called for the US and Russia to cut their strategic nuclear arsenals by a third. But the proposal may meet a chilly reception in Moscow.

Briefing NSA surveillance 101: What US intelligence agencies are doing, what they know

US intelligence agencies are gathering massive amounts of US telephone calling data and social media data on both foreigners and citizens. Here are seven questions and answers about what is known so far.

Briefing Policing 'blood' diamonds: the watchdog Kimberley Process explained

Briefing Liberty Reserve money-laundering case: five questions answered

The case against Liberty Reserve, a digital currency provider, may be the largest money-laundering case in US history. Here's what you need to know.

Briefing IRS 101: Seven questions about the tea party scandal

The Internal Revenue Service is under the microscope now, as revelations have emerged that the agency wrongly targeted conservative groups seeking nonprofit status. Here’s an accounting of what has happened, along with the ramifications.

Briefing China's growing military might: top 4 concerns for the Pentagon

The US Department of Defense is carefully monitoring the growth of China’s military. These four items are currently at the top of their list.

Briefing Chemical weapons 101: Six facts about sarin and Syria’s stockpile

President Obama said Assad's use of chemical weapons would be a 'red line' for US. Did he use sarin or any other chemical weapon against his own people?

Briefing Chechnya: How a remote Russian republic became linked with terrorism

The main suspects in the Boston Marathon bombing are two brothers from Chechnya, a Russian republic that has been the scene of cyclical revolts and brutal crackdowns for the past 200 years.

Briefing Palestinian Prisoners' Day: Breaking down the controversy

This year's commemoration is particularly noteworthy because of two recent high-profile deaths in prison that drew tremendous outcry from Palestinians. The Monitor explains.

Briefing UN arms trade treaty: Will it receive US Senate approval?

Why the new initiative is so controversial among US conservatives.

Briefing North Korean war talk: hot air or serious threat?

Pyongyang has cut the last military hotline to the South and says it's ready to target US bases in Hawaii, Guam, and South Korea. So why is there no sign the North is really girding for war? 

Briefing What's behind the bailout crisis in Cyprus?

While appearing to be yet another victim of Europe's debt crisis, Cyprus is suffering in part due to unique characteristics including an oversized reliance on foreign depositors and a tiny economy.

Briefing Why is the US shifting its missile defense out of Europe?

US Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel recently announced plans to cancel a planned US missile defense network in Europe, and instead beef up its interceptors in the Pacific.

Briefing Who is Pope Francis?

How the 'outsider' status of Pope Francis and his frugal ways may portend a shake-up for the Catholic Church.

Briefing After the 'sequester,' now what?

$85 billion in across-the-board cuts to defense and social programs took effect March 1. The cuts must occur this fiscal year, which ends Sept. 30. Here's how things look.

Briefing How dangerous are near-Earth asteroids? 5 key questions answered.

On Feb. 15, asteroid 2012 DA14, discovered a year ago, cleared Earth by a scant 17,200 miles. The same day, a smaller, unrelated asteroid that no one saw coming exploded 12 to 15 miles above Russia’s Chelyabinsk region. Events that day highlight the risk that near-Earth objects (NEOs) can pose – although to some extent, humans can counter them.

Briefing Why did North Korea explode a nuclear device?

Despite - or perhaps because of - strong international pressure, North Korea conducted its most powerful nuclear test to date. Now analysts say that hopes for improved relations are on hold.

Briefing Roe v. Wade at 40: Six questions about abortion rights

On Tuesday, the United States marks the 40th anniversary of Roe v. Wade, the historic US Supreme Court decision that granted women the right to an abortion. Here is a look at the state of abortion rights in America today.

Briefing Where does Haiti stand three years after its 7.0 earthquake?

After billions of dollars in aid spent to help Haiti 'build back better' from its devastating earthquake on Jan. 12, 2010, hundreds of thousands are still without homes.

Briefing Idle No More: Canada's indigenous 'Occupy' movement

Idle No More, a protest movement of Canada's First Nations native peoples, has been locking up the country with protests and blockades. Who are they, and what do they want?

Briefing A look at America's gun industry

Per capita ownership of firearms in the US has doubled since 1968.

Briefing Fiscal deal will cost you: 8 tax changes

Here are eight tax changes under the 'fiscal cliff' deal that may hit your pocketbook.