Topic: Al Qaeda

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Briefing
Five things Ron Paul wants from the Republican National Convention

It looks as if Ron Paul is going to be an active participant in the Republican National Convention in Tampa this August. Here’s our take on the five things Paul hopes to gain from staying within his party’s tent in 2012.
Osama bin Laden papers: top 5 revelations

A new trove of letters seized during the Osama bin Laden raid paint an intimate picture of the inner workings and struggles of Al Qaeda, from its dabbling in the stock market to practices that would make any Mafia don proud.
Briefing
Top 3 reasons why Al Qaeda is more dangerous than ever

On the one-year anniversary of Osama bin Laden’s death, defense analysts say that there are plenty of reasons to think that a resurgence of the perniciously resourceful Al Qaeda is not out of the question.
'The Presidents' Club': 10 stories about relationships between American presidents

From Truman to Obama, 10 stories of friendships and feuds between US presidents.
Who are the Taliban and what do they want? 5 key points

While Pakistani and Afghan insurgents often get labeled as the 'Taliban,' in reality there are several groups that often act independently and have distinct command structures, ideologies, and strategies.

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Terrorism & Security
Spate of bombings in Iraq undermines stability ahead of Arab summit

A series of bombings across Iraq today belie Iraq's efforts to portray itself as a stable, resurgent power as it prepares to host the annual Arab League summit for the first time since 1990.
US teacher killing: How religiously open is Yemen?

Al Qaeda-linked militants say they killed Joel Shrum for proselytizing. The country has seen other attacks on Christians, but also has Catholic sisters working openly.
Fierce fighting in Damascus signals rebels remain unbowed

Today's fighting in Damascus and three weekend car bombings suggest a protracted fight between rebels and the Syrian Army, despite recent tactical gains by the regime.
Bomb explodes near another security complex in Syria

The blast, possibly from a car bomb, killed two and wounded 30 in Aleppo, Syria. A series of bombs have targeted security installations in recent months as the regime battles an uprising.
Response to 'proselytizing'? Al Qaeda group claims killing of US teacher in Yemen.

Joel Shrun, an American teaching English in Yemen, was killed by motorcycle-riding gunmen on Sunday.
Ethiopian Army attacks Eritrean military post in retaliation for rebel violence

Ethiopia's attack on an Eritrean-based rebel camp is the latest sign of deteriorating relations with Eritrea. Ethiopia and Eritrea fought a two-year war in 1998 that killed some 70,000 people.
Swiss couple, held by Taliban, 'escape'

A Swiss couple, held hostage by the Taliban for nearly a year, say they escaped. The Taliban says they paid a ransom.
Soldier's killing spree: Is end of Afghanistan war near? (+video)

Widespread Afghan outrage could force the US to accelerate plans to bring the Afghanistan war to a close. But that hasn't happened yet, and military officials are wary of a quick withdrawal.
Six reasons to keep America as No. 1 superpower

Many around the world say American decline would preserve global stability through a better balance of power. They’re wrong, says Steve Yetiv, a political science professor at Old Dominion University. It’s not that other countries or international institutions can’t play vital roles. They do. But they can't yet do what Washington does around the world, Yetiv says. Here he gives six examples.
Terrorism & Security
Report: Syrian forces overrun rebel stronghold

Syrian government troops appear to have overrun the rebel-held city of Idlib in an offensive that apparently began while UN special envoy Kofi Annan was still in the country.
Keep Calm
Blowback? Kenya pins Nairobi grenade attack on Somali Islamists

Kenyan police have arrested four people in Sunday's grenade attacks in Nairobi, which killed 7 people. Is it blowback for Kenya's military involvement in Somalia?
Vox News
'Game Change': How accurate is the movie about Sarah Palin?

Words have been flying between supporters of Sarah Palin, who charge the ‘Game Change’ filmmakers with a smear job, and the producers, who insist they’re committed to accuracy.
Bin Laden widows charged as new probe describes life with Osama bin Laden

Bin Laden's widows and children are being held at an undisclosed house in Islamabad. Pakistan's Interior minister said they would be placed under house arrest for illegally entering and living in the country.
Italian president: UK action 'inexplicable' on Nigerian hostage rescue bid (+video)

Italian President Giorgio Napolitano called UK action 'inexplicable' in failing to inform his government before launching a botched rescue mission with Nigerian forces that led to the deaths of British and Italian hostages held by a militant Islamist group.
For peace in Afghanistan, women can't be 'secondary'

Afghanistan's religious authority declares women as 'secondary' and seeks restrictions on them. Karzai approves, perhaps to win over the Taliban in talks. But the outrage from Afghan women shows they no longer see themselves as willing victims.
Backchannels
Joe Scarborough implies General Dempsey unfit to lead joint chiefs

The morning talk-show host says Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Martin Dempsey's comments that Iran is a rational actor should be a firing offense.
Backchannels
Senator McCain calls for war in Syria

Senator John McCain took to the senate floor and made an impassioned plea for a US-led war effort. He's probably not going to get what he's asking for.
Terrorism & Security
Al Qaeda militants serious threat as Yemen transitions away from Saleh

Al Qaeda militants attacked several military bases in Yemen, killing hundreds and presenting an early challenge for  the new government of Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi.
Backchannels
Mistaken identity? Top Al Qaeda leader Saif al-Adel probably not arrested in Cairo.

So far, reports of the arrest of Al Qaeda's Saif al-Adel, once the group's top military planners, in Cairo don't appear to be correct.
Signs of hope in Pakistan – America's prickly ally

It's difficult to make sense of Pakistan's pulsating political chaos, corruption, and instability. Yet pessimistic views of Pakistan, while endemic in the West, differ considerably from the perspective of Pakistani analysts who cautiously point to half a dozen hopeful developments.
Profile: Yemen's new president, Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi

Mr. Hadi is a relative unknown in Yemen, despite serving as former President Saleh's deputy for 17 years.
US officials urge 'stay the course' in wake of Afghan violence

As attacks on allied forces in Afghanistan continued Sunday in the wake of Quran burnings, US officials reaffirmed their commitment to preventing Al Qaeda advances.
Navy SEALs aftermath: Pakistan tears down Osama compound

On Saturday, Pakistan started ripping down the compound where US Navy SEALs killed Al Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden in 2011.
President Hadi takes power as Yemen's first new leader in three decades

President Hadi took oath of office in Yemen Saturday, calling for 'democratic dialogue' and vowing to fight Al Qaeda militants. A deadly car bomb attack in the south underscored ongoing instability.
Somalia: For once, some optimism

The UN beefs up an African Union-led peacekeeper mission and Ethiopian troops take the town of Baidoa, as delegates at a London conference contemplate the future of Somalia.