Topic: International Crisis Group

Q&A: What is Jemaah Islamiyah?

Friday's terror attack in Jakarta puts the Al Qaeda-linked Indonesian militant group back in spotlight.

Analysis: Jakarta attack may show evolution of Islamist terror group

Splinter factions of Jemaah Islamiyah 'might now seek to re-energize the movement through violent attacks,' according to a report issued only 24 hours before Friday's bombings.

How one youth was drawn to jihad in Somalia

Like the Somali-American from Minnesota who was killed this weekend, Tawakal Ahmed was recruited through mosques in Kenya to fight for Islamic militants in Mogadishu.

Media report: North Korea's Kim Jong Il has cancer

The report was not confirmed by South Korean intelligence sources, but it underlines the uncertainty surrounding the North Korean leader's eventual succession.

In Iraq, twin bombings follow insurgent's renewed call to fight US

The attacks underscore the security challenges after the US withdrawal from cities, particularly in the volatile areas in the north.

US operation aims to smooth road for Afghan elections

Afghanistan hopes to gain control of more of its territory before August elections. The Taliban could disrupt voter turnout in areas it holds.

US offensive in Afghanistan targets Taliban stronghold

In Helmand Province, poppy cultivation funds insurgent activities. As the operation began, the US military announced a US soldier had been captured in another province.

The Monitor's View: Georgia on Obama's mind?

It should be. The conflict that severely strained US-Russia ties still simmers – showing how hard it will be to repair relations.

Kenya poised to intervene in Somalia

It has massed troops on the Somali border. Islamist militias have threatened retaliation if Kenya acts.

North Korean ship poses challenge for US allies along its route

Thailand and Singapore have longstanding military ties with America but also trade with Burma, where the vessel is headed.

Top Somali warlord: willing to talk?

The fiery Sheikh Dahir Aweys may be ready to hash out a peace deal, following weeks of fighting the moderate government of Sheikh Sharif Ahmed.

Aid groups return to Darfur – with new names

The decision by Mercy Corps, Care, and others to go back to Sudan's troubled region after being kicked out in March opens fresh debate over how to deliver aid to people living under oppressive regimes.

Mexico's drug war seeps southward, too

From Guatemala to Panama, Central America is becoming a battleground for Mexican cartels.

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.

In Colombia, FARC rebels strike back

The leftist militants have launched 'plan rebirth' following a year of withering setbacks.

Islamists battle for Somalia

How big a threat is North Korea?

Q&A: Kim Jong Il's drive to make his nation a nuclear power and how that threatens Asian neighbors.

Briefing: Sri Lanka's Tamil Tiger conflict

Questions and answers on the 26-year insurgency that appears to be over.

Opinion: Without foreign coverage, we miss more than news

A lack of reporters posted abroad hampers our ability to grasp crises.

Islamist offensive ruins the West's plan for Somalia

Militant Islamists have the moderate government surrounded in Mogadishu. If they took over, it would be a devastating blow to US counter-terrorism and anti-piracy efforts in East Africa.

US fights Taliban on another front: public relations

As Afghan insurgents exploit popular anger at civilian deaths, the US is hitting back with its own message.

Somali government encircled by hardline Islamists

After five days of assault by better-armed Al Shabab militiamen, pro-government fighters have apparently begun to retreat.

Nepal's prime minister resigns in battle for control of Army

Maoist leader steps down in the country's worst crisis since a peace deal in 2006 ended more than a decade of civil war.

Sri Lanka rejects growing calls for cease-fire

French and British envoys Wednesday urged a halt to fighting as concerns deepen about 50,000 trapped civilians.

How will Sri Lanka reconcile after a bitter war?

The campaign against the Tamil Tigers appears to be ending. But deep ethnic divides behind the conflict remain.