Topic: Al Qaeda

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Where do things stand at Guantánamo? Six basic questions answered.

President Obama this week pledged to “reengage” with Congress to find a way to close the terror detention camp at the Guantánamo Bay, Cuba, naval base. The renewed focus comes as 100 of the 166 detainees are reported to be engaged in a hunger strike. Here is a brief look at where things stand now.
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.
Pakistan elections: Who's running?

This election will mark the first transfer of power from one government to another without any military interference. Here is a look at the main candidates for prime minister.
12 promising novels for spring 2013

Here are 12 spring 2013 fiction titles that we're looking forward to picking up.
Top 3 threats to the United States: the good and bad news

The annual Worldwide Threat Assessment of the US Intelligence Community is out this week, a widely-anticipated report compiled by the nation’s intelligence agencies. Here is the good and bad news about the top three threats facing the United States, according to an unclassified version of the report.

All Content

Why Bangkok struggles to bring peace to Thailand's 'Deep South'

The insurgents have not outlined their political aims and their leaders' identities are unknown. Also, the current government has little political pull in the region.
For Taliban victims, Pakistani peace talks feel like betrayal

Recently, the Pakistani government and Taliban forces in the country have expressed interest in peace talks. But for thousands of civilians who have been injured or lost a loved one at the hands of the Taliban, the idea is abhorrent.
Opinion: 'Zero Dark Thirty' has the facts wrong – and that's a problem, not just for the Oscars

The movie 'Zero Dark Thirty' is a gripping drama and credible contender in this year’s Oscar competition – nominated for five Academy Awards. But because it advertises itself as factually grounded, I have to point out: On each of its three major points, the film gets the story wrong.
Zero Dark Thirty ban? Rumors of unofficial ban swirl in Pakistan (+video)

The movie traces the arc of the CIA's decade-long hunt for bin Laden through the eyes of a young female analyst, who spends most of her time ostensibly in Pakistan.
Yemeni Air Force suffers embarrassing crashes as Yemenis get angry at US

After two recent high-profile military plane crashes, Yemenis are increasingly frustrated with their sub-par Air Force – and accuse the government for outsourcing Air Force duties to the US.
The Monitor's View: In Timbuktu, Al Qaeda showed 'seeds of its decay'

A secret letter written by Al Qaeda's leader in north Africa during his 10-month rule of Timbuktu reveals the internal contradictions of jihadists that will end their appeal.
Pakistan announces operation after bombing, but is it just for show?

The Pakistani government announced a security operation against those responsible for the bombing that killed at least 89 people over the weekend and set off three days of protests.
Energy Voices Will oil pipeline attack push energy companies out of Iraq?

With violence on the rise, including a recent attack on a major oil pipeline, it may be only a matter of time before international oil companies lose their stomach for post-war Iraq, Graeber writes.
The Myth of Martyrdom

Suicide bombers are the opposite of brave, argues Adam Lankford.
Foreign workers abducted in Nigeria

An Islamist group claimed responsibility for kidnapping seven foreigners in northern Nigeria - the worst case of foreigners being kidnapped there since an insurgency by Islamist militants intensified two years ago.
US drawdown in Afghanistan a 'worry' for Pakistan, ambassador says

One of the concerns for Pakistan is 'how responsible' the US exit from Afghanistan will be, said Sherry Rehman, Pakistan's ambassador to the US, at a Feb. 5 breakfast meeting.
Global News Blog Is historical claim behind the mystery group of (armed?) Filipinos in Borneo?

Malaysian troops are negotiating with about 100 men from the Philippines who have identified themselves as the 'royal army' of the Sulu Sultanate, which has a historic land claim to the area, say police.
Ethiopia airs jihadi film amid sensitive Muslim protest trial

The strategic Horn of Africa country is one-third Muslim and two-thirds Christian; why is its state-TV ginning up religious tension?
Afghan president welcomes US troop withdrawal announcement

Afghan President Karzai has been pressing for a faster paced withdrawal of foreign combat troops from Afghanistan.
President Obama's State of the Union address full text

The text of the State of the Union address as prepared for delivery by President Barack Obama, and provided by the press office of the White House.
Obama to announce Afghan troop withdrawal at State of the Union (+video)

The President will inform Congress and the American people that thousands of US troops will be back home from Afghanistan in one year's time.
Outgoing general predicts an Afghanistan liberated from foreign intrigue

The remarks from Gen. John Allen came at a change-of-command ceremony. American Gen. Joseph Dunford now leads NATO's mission in Afghanistan.
The Monitor's View: Obama's hidden nonplan to arm rebels in Syria

News that Obama vetoed a plan by his senior security staff to arm Syrian rebels reveals the extent of his humanitarian impulse. But he must also protect the new UN doctrine of a 'responsibility to protect' by being more open about his Syrian strategy.
Cover Story Egypt's unfinished revolution

Can the government of President Mohamed Morsi survive – and what do its struggles portend for a region where other Islamist political movements are on the rise?
Do US drone kills need an oversight board? How would it work? (+video)

The confirmation hearing for John Brennan, Obama's pick to be CIA chief, has given impetus to the idea that drone strikes on terror suspects be subject to some form of judicial oversight.
Why Brennan came off better than Hagel in Senate hearing

CIA director-designate John Brennan, in a confirmation hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee, was not pressed very hard on the controversial drone strike program.
The Monitor's View: A rightful airing of Obama drone policy

In the latest concern over war tactics against terrorists, President Obama had to release his guidelines for the use of drones in targeted killings. To help ensure constancy and consistency in civic values during wartime, Congress must openly debate this policy.
Terrorist tweets: how Al Qaeda's social media move could cause problems

Al Qaeda and its affiliates are moving onto social media after years of relying largely on chat rooms to spread their doctrine online, a study says. The trend raises a host of questions.
Opinion: Do we want drone-architect John Brennan as CIA chief?

At John Brennan's Senate confirmation hearing, the candidate for CIA director should be asked about the killing of Americans, civilian victims of drone strikes, extraordinary renditions, and torture. Do those actions make us safer? Are they consistent with US laws and values?
Lawmakers to get drone documents ahead of Brennan hearing

President Obama has instructed the Justice Department to hand over classified documents explaining the administration's rationale relating to drone strikes on American citizens abroad. The documents will be released ahead of a Thursday confirmation hearing for John Brennan, Obama's nominee for CIA director.