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Opinion 5 national security issues next president must tackle

President Obama and Mitt Romney battle over foreign policy issues in the third and final presidential debate. No matter who wins the presidential election November 6, Mr. Romney or Mr. Obama will have to confront five urgent national security issues in the first weeks of his term.

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Decoder Wire Hillary Clinton 2016: How many secretaries of State became presidents? (+video)

Former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger paid Hillary Clinton, who was also secretary of State, compliments at an event Wednesday. If she runs and wins in 2016, she could reestablish an old pattern.
Chorus grows against Obama administration's sanctions-heavy Iran policy

The Obama administration's effort to end Iran's nuclear program has focused on punitive measures, with little diplomatic outreach. Critics say this jeopardizes negotiations.
Backchannels Diplomatic fail whale? US embassy, Muslim Brotherhood clash over @TheDailyShow (+video)

A less-than-diplomatic tweet from the US embassy in Cairo did not go over well in Egypt. Worse, perhaps, was its effort to make amends.
Opinion In Syria, the only way out is a political deal

As in Northern Ireland, no matter how much the warring sides in Syria struggle for a battlefield win, fighting is unlikely to bring either side a real victory. The main parties need to sit down and negotiate a mutually agreed political transition and power-sharing plan for afterward.
World powers expect Iran to be ready for progress at next nuclear talks

World powers say that Iran has signaled it is ready to 'engage seriously' on a proposal to limit its nuclear development at P5+1 talks that begin tomorrow in Kazakhstan.
Why Obama's executive order on cybersecurity doesn't satisfy most experts

An executive order can only set voluntary cybersecurity standards for firms running America's 'critical infrastructure,' such as power grids. But some say Obama should be doing more.
Suicide bomber who attacked US embassy in Turkey was leftist

The bomber is associated with the outlawed Revolutionary People's Liberation Party-Front, a militant group founded on Marxist principles.
Hollande: France will help Mali after Islamists take town

The United Nations Security Council condemned the capture of Konna and called on U.N. member states to provide assistance to Mali 'in order to reduce the threat posed by terrorist organizations and associated groups.'
What Chuck Hagel would, and wouldn't, bring to job of Defense secretary

Chuck Hagel, a storied Republican maverick with a record of voting against his party, opposed the war in Iraq, supports engagement with Iran, and backed Barack Obama in his first presidential run.
As Syria's rebels close in, Assad has three options

The most likely is a retreat into the mountains controlled by his minority Alawite community.
Opinion 5 national security issues next president must tackle

President Obama and Mitt Romney battle over foreign policy issues in the third and final presidential debate. No matter who wins the presidential election November 6, Mr. Romney or Mr. Obama will have to confront five urgent national security issues in the first weeks of his term.
Opinion NATO must offer Turkey military support in Syria crisis

Turkey has twice turned to NATO for support in the face of attacks from Syria. But the transatlantic alliance has responded with words rather than deeds. To preserve its credibility in Turkey and the region, NATO should offer radar aircraft and/or rapid reaction forces.
US takes wait-and-see approach to Georgia's Ivanishvili

Although US supporter President Saakashvili lost Georgia's parliamentary elections, the US says that the peaceful electoral transition was a good start for Georgian democracy-building.
Energy Voices Arctic drilling, China's clean energy, and Iran's 'nuclear gamble': energy's week ahead

What's the human and environmental toll on strikes against Iran's nuclear facilities? What lessons have we learned from a season of Arctic drilling? Events coming up this week in the world of energy.
Netanyahu's simple bomb graphic confuses the nuclear experts

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu sought to simplify the Iranian nuclear issue with the diagram he brought out on the UN podium, but experts say he actually made it more confusing.
Why there's been so little ado in Britain over naked Prince Harry pics

British reaction to Prince Harry's Las Vegas photos has been relatively muted, with the media holding back due to ethical concerns and the public enamored of the prince's charm.
Progress Watch In Somalia, optimism rises

One year after the ouster of the Islamist militia, the capital city prospers. But Al Shabab remains a threat.
In Somali capital, a year without Islamist militia

One year after the forced departure of Islamist militia Al Shabab, Mogadishu is rebuilding and prospering. But residents worry the group may return.
Ethiopia's terror conviction of journalist raises doubts on free speech

Ethiopia conviction of journalist Eskinder Nega for covering planned protests sparks international condemnation. US Sen. Patrick Leahy suggests cutback in aid to Ethiopia.
Consumer Energy Report 'Race for the Arctic' exposes need for US to ratify UN treaty

As the world continues to seek out new energy sources, the Arctic Ocean is becoming a hot bed of activity. The US must ratify the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea in order to secure exclusivity rights to the lucrative area.
Opinion As Syria morphs into a regional crisis, Annan 'contact group' a good place to start

The conflict in Syria is now a serious regional problem, requiring – ideally – a regional solution. That's why the Kofi Annan suggestion to create a Syria 'contact group' of world and regional powers is a good starting point. But such a group would also face tremendous obstacles.
Wanted in Somalia: US puts bounties on top Al Shabab leaders

While multimillion-dollar bounties may not lead to the imminent capture of Al Shabab leaders in Somalia, such rewards do ensure there will be no 'soft landing' for terrorist suspects.
Muslims accuse Ethiopian government of meddling in mosques

Ethiopia's Muslims have been protesting 'state interference' in their affairs for the past six months. Could government accusations of Muslim extremism risk greater tension?
Opinion 3 ways the US can start an economic 'reset' with Russia

After Russian President Vladimir Putin canceled his trip to Camp David for the G8 Summit this weekend, tensions between Russia and the US are running high. The United States must design a new relationship with this often difficult leader and his country. Washington needs a new reset that includes these three key components:
Opinion Palestinian hunger strikes: the power of peaceful protest

Hunger strikes by Palestinian prisoners in Israeli detention ended with a deal this week for better treatment. That showed the power of peaceful protest. If Palestinians adopt nonviolence as a strategic tool, that could bridge the Israeli-Palestinian divide.