Topic: Ian Kelly

Yemen sharpens debate: Are wars the answer to terrorism?

Critics say the US has put too much emphasis on large-scale military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. Yemen shows that Al Qaeda is too agile to be defeated by such a 'whack a mole' strategy, they say.

US cool to bald declaration of an independent Palestine

US warns of 'unilateral' actions by either side: Palestinians declaring an independent Palestine or Israel expanding Jewish settlements in Jerusalem.

The Monitor's View: Middle East peace: Can Palestinians do an end run around Israel?

Palestinian leader Abbas tries to carry the Middle East peace process directly to the UN. But Israel's plans for 900 new homes in East Jerusalem only shows that it's just as willing to take unilateral action. No one wins when both sides refuse to negotiate.

On the way to Afghanistan, Holbrooke seeks to ease tensions with NATO

Richard Holbrooke, Obama's special envoy to Afghanistan and Pakistan, wants to unify allies at a time when many Europeans sense drift in the war and a lack of clear US policy.

North Korea can now build one more nuclear bomb

North Korea said Tuesday that it has reprocessed 8,000 nuclear fuel rods – perhaps enough to build another nuclear bomb. US officials say this was a violation of North Korea's commitments to nuclear disarmament talks.

As Honduran elections near, US diplomats seek end to leadership crisis

A US delegation held talks with Honduran leaders Zelaya and Micheletti Wednesday. With the Nov. 29 presidential elections end the crisis?

Iran nuclear deal on hold as Tehran misses deadline

Iran missed a deadline to respond to a proposed deal. Tehran asked for more time, but some worry that it's backing away from what had been termed a possible breakthrough for easing concerns about its nuclear program.

Iran nuclear deal: Is Tehran toying with the world – again?

An Iranian official spoke against the tentative Iran nuclear deal Thursday. But US officials expect that dissonant voices may be heard before Tehran makes a final decision.

Iran steps up blame of US, Britain, and Pakistan for bombings

Iran says all three countries have links to a Sunni group blamed for Sunday's suicide blast that killed at least five senior members of Iran's Revolutionary Guard.

US embassy, offices in South Africa remain closed after terror threat

All US government offices in the country were ordered closed on Tuesday after authorities received 'credible,' undisclosed information about a terrorist threat.

US will join talks with Iran

But the Oct. 1 meeting may simply set the stage for the US to seek tougher sanctions against Tehran for its nuclear program.

Pakistan's A.Q. Khan strikes again

The disgraced Pakistani nuclear scientist reemerged from five years of house arrest as a columnist, only to be caught for heavily plagiarizing the websites of British universities.

Qaddafi is coming to America. Protesters are ready.

The Libyan leader's plan to attend the UN Assembly next month could be overshadowed by anger over his role in welcoming home the Lockerbie bomber last week.

US to investigate Iraqi raid on Iranian camp

The violent raid on Camp Ashraf Tuesday is seen as an assertion of Iraqi sovereignty – and of Iran's growing influence on its neighbor.

Mexico's Army is violating human rights, groups say

The US should withhold key counternarcotics funds from Mexico until progress is made, argue several human rights organizations in the US and Mexico.

Ousted Honduran leader calls for 'insurrection'

Manuel Zelaya's rhetoric may make this weekend's talks more difficult and could spark violence in the tense and divided country, analysts say.

North Korean hackers blamed for sweeping cyber attack on US networks

Will Syria play key role in Obama's Mideast peace efforts?

US envoy Mitchell was in Egypt Thursday, and arrives in Damascus Friday. Syrians hope for a new rapprochement under an Obama administration.

Can Moscow stop North Korea's nuclear march?

Russia helped North Korea for decades. But now its influence with the "rogue" nation has waned.

US nuclear accord with a Persian Gulf state raises concerns about proliferation

Backers say the agreement with the United Arab Emirates is a model for other countries in the region. But critics worry about the UAE's ties with Iran.