Topic: Christopher Hill

Why is North Korea threatening to conduct a nuclear test? (+video)

First, to make up for the embarrassment of the failed missile; second, the regime's past nuclear tests didn't go very well.

Gates: nuclear talks possible if North Korea stops 'dangerous provocations'

Defense Secretary Robert Gates was in Seoul Friday for a meeting with South Korean President Lee, who stressed the need for US cooperation to solve the North Korean nuclear issue.

Forget Iran. In Britain, WikiLeaks focus is on details about Prince Andrew.

WikiLeaks' diplomatic cables revealed how Prince Andrew, in his role as a UK trade ambassador, criticized France and America and condemned 'idiotic' British anticorruption investigators.

Kim Jong-il's oldest son reveals ruling family fissure

North Korea leader Kim Jong-il's oldest son, Kim Jong-nam, said he is 'personally opposed to the hereditary transfer' of power to his half-brother, Kim Jong-un.

Troops withdraw, but US work in Iraq war unfinished and fragile

The last US combat troops leave Iraq Thursday, shifting the American role in the Iraq war from the Pentagon to the State Department, which faces a potentially unprecedented task.

New twist in Iraq election crisis: Maliki's enemies latch onto torture allegations

As the Iraq election process is drawn out by a recount, Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki faces a fresh challenge over allegations of torture on his watch. He dismissed an HRW report, saying detainees bruised themselves to fake torture evidence.

US-Iraq relations threatened by Iraq's political quarrels

Iraq’s postelection process of forming a new government has been troubled and drawn-out. Now, American officials are openly questioning the impact on US-Iraq relations.

Call from Obama seals Iraq election law

Iraq elections can now go forward after Kurds and Sunnis agreed to a new, amended law. Obama's 11th-hour call Sunday night was part of a crucial US role in sealing the deal.

Obama's civilian task in Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Iraq

He must help weak elected leaders amid conflict in all three Islamic nations.

Baghdad bombing leaves hole in diplomatic corps

Iraq's Foreign Ministry saw 10 percent of its staff killed or injured. Foreign minister blames systemic security breaches for last week's assault.

USA

Build on Bush's Middle East progress

Despite Bush's early mistakes, Obama's team can keep valuable momentum there.

Clinton eyes bringing N. Korea back to negotiating table on nuclear program

In South Korea, which she visited Thursday, fears persist that the US will move forward on ties even if the North resists verifying disablement of its weapons.

South Korea to send nuclear envoy to North Korea

The delegation will discuss buying fuel rods from a North Korean reactor, a step in the North's disarmament process.

World

Will North Korea cut a nuclear deal before Obama arrives?

As Beijing talks stall, analysts say North Korea may be waiting for a gesture from Barack Obama once he assumes the presidency.

World

India nuclear deal: big step on long road

With no progress on Iran, and setbacks on North Korea, the deal may be Bush's only nonproliferation feat.

World

U.S. eases North Korea's isolation

Bush lifts some sanctions in exchange for pariah nation's step toward nuclear cooperation.

U.S. eases North Korea's isolation

Bush lifts some sanctions in exchange for pariah nation's step toward nuclear cooperation.

U.S. to mine N. Korean papers for answers, progress

A US diplomat returns from talks in Pyongyang Monday with 18,000 pages supplied by North Korea on its nuclear facilities.

'Secret' U.S.-N. Korea deal irks South

South Korea's conservative president will meet with Bush Friday, as the US appears to soften its stance on North Korea.

In Korean elections, conservatives' win boosts president

President Lee can lean on his new Assembly majority to pursue economic reforms and a tougher N. Korea policy.

High-level talks keep North Korea nuclear deal alive

Last week's meeting generated talk of a secret side deal to end an 11-week impasse.