Topic: Bruce Riedel

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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.
Cover Story
What would happen if Iran had the bomb? (+video)

Even as Tehran signals an interest in nuclear talks, many experts have already envisioned what the world would look like if the country got nuclear weapons. It wouldn't be as dire as many fear, but it would unleash new uncertainties - and perhaps a regional arms race.
Anwar al-Awlaki strike: why it's important, but not a death-blow for Al Qaeda

Anwar al-Awlaki was one of Al Qaeda's idea men – a propagandist who inspired youth to jihad. The drone attack that killed him is a 'big setback,' but it doesn't hurt Al Qaeda's capacity.
Terrorism & Security
Seized bin Laden cellphone provides possible link to Pakistani spy agency

A cellphone used by Osama bin Laden's courier contained contacts for commanders in a Pakistani militant group that has long been mentored by Pakistan's spy agency.
As Gen. David Petraeus shifts to CIA, nature of war shifts with him

Gen. David Petraeus is on Capitol Hill Thursday for his confirmation hearing for the CIA post. The US is moving away from his troop-heavy approach to war, including, to a degree, in Afghanistan.
The big lie that Obama can't lead is crumbling

Prizing bravado, we’ve undervalued President Obama's brand of quiet competence.
Decoding Obama's comments on war in Afghanistan: What did he really mean?

Obama’s citing of ‘fragile but reversible progress’ in his review of the war in Afghanistan is a signal to all the parties involved, including Americans, that the US withdrawal may go slowly.
Terrorism & Security
US defends unmanned drone attacks after harsh UN report

UN special rapporteur Philip Alston on Wednesday called for a halt to US unmanned drone attacks, which he called a path to a 'Playstation' mentality towards killing.
Terrorism & Security
Drone strike reportedly killed Al Qaeda No. 3 Mustafa Abu al-Yazid

Al Qaeda's central leadership says it lost Mustafa Abu al-Yazid, a founding member of the group, in a May 22 drone strike in Pakistan's tribal area.
NPT 101: Will the US accept a nuclear-capable Iran?

Iran President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad restated his opposition to nuclear weapons at the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) conference this week. But analysts say that an Iran capable of building a nuclear bomb is something that the US may have to get used to.
Half of Afghanistan Taliban leadership arrested in Pakistan

Pakistan officials told the Monitor they have arrested nearly half – 7 of 15 – members of the Afghan Taliban's senior leadership council in recent days, including the Taliban head of military operations in Afghanistan.
Terrorism & Security
Pakistan captures another top Afghan Taliban leader, Mullah Abdul Kabir

If reports are true, Pakistan's capture of Mullah Abdul Kabir would be fifth Afghan Taliban leader seized in recent weeks.
Terrorism & Security
Yemen Al Qaeda group denies that airstrikes killed its leader

A Yemen-based militant group, Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), on Monday denied that airstrikes ordered by the Yemeni government last week had killed its chief Qassim al-Raimi, along with five other top militants.
Obama at one year: new realism in foreign policy

Less ideological than Bush, Barack Obama pursues a more traditional approach to foreign affairs, marked by a narrower definition of US interests.
With US troop increase, is Afghanistan war now America's war?

The 7,000 additional troops that 25 NATO countries have committed to the conflict help the Obama administration make the case that the Afghanistan war is an international effort.
Fine print of Obama's Afghanistan speech: it's about Pakistan

In his speech, Obama was careful to include Pakistan's borderlands with Afghanistan in his most dire warnings. His new strategy for Afghanistan also means a ratcheting up of resources for – and pressures on – Pakistan.
Will Taliban attacks in Pakistan sway Obama's war decision?

The spate of attacks by the Taliban in Pakistan is likely to factor into President Obama's ongoing review of Afghanistan policy. The attacks highlight the regional nature of the Taliban insurgency.
Terrorism & Security
US 'Afpak' strategy troubles some in US and Pakistan

American lawmakers say they haven't been briefed on plans, as some in Pakistan describe the administration as 'confused.'
US troop buildup in Afghanistan could be a defining moment

Obama's order to send 17,000 more troops comes before US has set a clear strategy.
Obama redefines war on terror

The president focuses on Al Qaeda and on repairing America’s image in the Muslim world.
Terrorism & Security
India: Who are the militants who attacked Mumbai?

As Indian commandos finish their operations against the gunmen who killed at least 143 people, focus turns to the assailants' identity.
Is Kashmir key to Afghan peace?

Barack Obama says resolving the Indian-Pakistani dispute over Kashmir will be a goal of his presidency, ending eight years of silence on the issue.
Crises cast doubt on Bush's strategy

He's emphasized personal relationships with leaders such as Putin and Musharraf.
U.S., India revive sweeping nuke deal

But the pact, which some dub a 'sweetheart deal,' may not pass the US Congress in time.
U.S., India revive sweeping nuke deal

But the pact, which some dub a 'sweetheart deal,' may not pass the US Congress in time.