Topic: David "Mudcat" Saunders

Crystals found in magma chambers may help scientists predict volcanic eruptions

To learn more about volcanic activity in an effort to help predict it, researchers investigated the magma from within volcanoes. Crystals often grow within magma chambers, large crevices of searing hot fluid rock beneath volcanoes.

Twice as many mega rainstorms in Midwest in past 50 years

Wisconsin saw the biggest rise (203 percent) in extreme rainstorms – 3 inches of rain or more in a day, new study says. Climate change is behind more Midwest flooding, say scientists.

A cold-war chill? US-Russia relations falter over Libya and Syria.

Stormy days lie ahead for US-Russia relations, many say. Progress on issues like missile defense and NATO-Russia relations could suffer serious setbacks if the Syria and Iran crises deteriorate further.

Iran debate: If Obama doesn't bluff, he's not a good poker player

President Obama's interview with The Atlantic can be seen as a preemptive strike to control the nuclear Iran narrative ahead of Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu's visit next week.

What went wrong for Mitt Romney in Colorado? (+video)

Mitt Romney downplayed expectations going into Tuesday night, and it was predicted he could lose to Rick Santorum in Minnesota and Missouri. But his loss in Colorado was a shocker.

Pakistan scoffs at US apologies after NATO strike

US attempts to soothe tensions after a NATO strike killed 24 Pakistani soldiers have been mostly rebuffed. NATO claims the strike was 'unintended.'

Karzai says Afghan-Indian security agreement no threat to Pakistan (video)

Afghan President Hamid Karzai signed a security agreement with India this week that alarmed Pakistan. He insists it's no threat to Pakistan.

US Embassy shooting in Kabul heightens concerns about Afghan security

An Afghan US Embassy employee in Kabul killed an American in an annex known to be used by the CIA. The incident raises further questions about the reliability of America’s Afghan partners.

US suspects Pakistan's hand in Kabul embassy attack

The US suspects that Pakistani intelligence encouraged militants to attack the US Embassy and NATO compound in Kabul last week.

Before 9/11: The tale of an Afghan 'lion'

Journalist Ed Giradet met the remarkable Ahmed Shah Massoud during the Afghan insurgency against the Red Army. Twenty years later, on the eve of 9/11, he tried to see him one last time.

As West labors in Libya and Syria, Russia seizes an opportunity

The military stalemate in Libya and the diplomatic hesitation over condemning Syria have created an opportunity for Russia to present itself to the Middle East as the un-NATO.

No Tiger Woods at US Open, but can Phil Mickelson win?

Tiger Woods is not competing in this year's US Open golf tournament, but a field of 156 golfers provides a number of story lines to consider. Phil Mickelson, who has finished second five times, is but one of many.

The anti-economics of 'freedom fondles'

Do TSA techniques ask us to sacrifice personal freedoms in exchange for security, or security theater?

Kate Middleton Prince William wedding: Vendors rejoice

Kate Middleton and Prince William's upcoming wedding sets the stage for an array of romantic memorabilia to flood the market.

Russian spies case: There goes the 'reset' of US-Russia relations?

Actually, there could be limited fallout from the Russian spies case, some international experts say. For the most part, however, the ball is in Russia's court now.

Climate change somehow manages to mess things up in outer space

Climate change emissions are cooling the upper atmosphere, decreasing atmospheric density and causing space junk to remain in orbit longer.

UN Security Council approves new, 'binding' Iran sanctions

A resolution in favor of a fourth round of Iran sanctions cleared the UN Security Council Wednesday, 12 to 2 (with one abstention). China and Russia, increasingly unhappy with Iran's noncooperation regarding its nuclear program, joined the majority.

The Kremlin banished Khodorkovsky. Why a new trial?

In Russia, public support is waning for the Kremlin’s aggressive pursuit of the former oil tycoon, who was shipped off to Siberia in 2005 after crossing swords with Putin.

Colleges walk fine line with troubled students

Iran nuclear deal collapses. Time for US to get tough?

Iran rejected a UN-brokered nuclear deal Wednesday that would have sent its uranium stockpile abroad. The Obama administration is now under pressure to make good on its promises of 'consequences.'

US national parks endangered by climate change

America's national parks face challenges

Shifting climates and needed upkeep are issues facing America’s treasured spots.

Impasse with China erodes Dalai Lama's patience

On his recent European tour, Tibet's exiled leader preached compassion, but expressed frustration over 'lies and hypocrisy' from Beijing

In exile 50 years, will the Dalai Lama ever return to Tibet?

China says keep out; the leader fears the Tibet tinderbox will again catch fire.