Topic: International Institute for Strategic Studies

In South Korea, Kim Jong-un's New Year speech generates surprise - and doubt

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un called for economic reform and expressed a wish to improve relations with South Korea, departing from the usual North Korea rhetoric.

North Korea threatens US after it helps South Korea

The question now is whether the furor over missiles actually marks another step on the way to a much more serious confrontation, or is simply another exercise in a long-running game of dare.

With latest IAEA report in hand, UN chief slams Iran for lack of cooperation (+video)

Speaking in Tehran today, UN chief Ban Ki-moon criticized Iran for failing to reassure the world it is not pursuing nuclear weapons as the IAEA reported its nonmilitary nuclear work continues apace. 

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.

Iran loading homemade nuclear fuel rods, firing up new centrifuges

Iran says it now has the next generation of centrifuges to enrich uranium for its nuclear program. But US experts are skeptical of Iran's claims.

Latin America Monitor
Why Venezuela is key to quashing the FARC

Colombia is worried that FARC fighters are looking to acquire missiles in Venezuela, which would diminish Colombia's air-power advantage against the rebels.

Ambassador Eikenberry's pushback against Karzai: Will it make a difference?

US Ambassador Karl Eikenberry responded sharply to criticism of the US by Afghan President Karzai. His unusually tart remarks come amid growing pressure in the US to bring troops home.

Venezuela-Colombia ties remain strong despite Chávez's reported links to FARC

Newly published findings that Venezuela financed the FARC rebel group in Colombia seem unlikely to harm growing economic and diplomatic links between the two countries.

Former President Jimmy Carter arrived in North Korea amid hope for six-party talks

Former President Jimmy Carter arrived in North Korea on Tuesday for talks aimed at reducing tensions with North Korea. This trip looks similar to his first visit in 1994.

Splits widen among Western leaders over way forward in Libya

As the US moves to transfer command of Libya operations to Western allies, Europe is grappling with who should take the lead to enforce UN Resolution 1973.

Iran missile system tested, rhetoric sharpened on eve of NATO summit

Iran missile system: Iran tested a new air-defense system and lashed out at NATO as the military alliance prepared to meet this weekend in Lisbon, Portugal. Iran has long sought homegrown air defenses.

Global News Blog
Iraq war by the numbers, as last US combat brigade leaves

The last US combat brigade left Iraq today, after $751 billion and 4,415 American lives. Here's a breakdown of the Iraq war numbers.

US in Iraq: What's been left behind

After seven years of war, Iraqis are freer but feel embittered by the loss of life and halting progress in turning on the lights.

US-Vietnam ties strengthen with military exercises, to China's chagrin

This week, the USS John McCain is engaged in military exercises in the South China Sea - setting a new threshold in US-Vietnam ties.

Why North Korea Cheonan sinking gets wrist slap from UN

North Korea agreed to its first talks with the US in a year, and is signaling interest in restarting the six-party talks about nuclear disarmament.

Sadr followers snub Allawi and Maliki. Who will lead Iraq?

With followers of anti-American cleric Moqtada al-Sadr saying they support neither Nouri al-Maliki nor Iyad Allawi, the top two vote-getters continue to jostle for allies to form a coalition that will lead Iraq.

Iranian scientist defects: US covert ops hurt Iran nuclear program

The defection of Iranian scientist Shahram Amiri to the US shows that a long-running CIA covert program against the Iran nuclear program is working.

North Korea spurns UN push to stop executions and torture

The North Korea ambassador to the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva denounced its recommendations just as reports emerged that the North had executed the official responsible for a ruinous currency revaluation.

How the world views Obama at one year

While Obama remains a ‘rock star’ in many countries, skeptics don’t see much tangible change in US policy.

American missionary allegedly held by North Korea. A 'gift' to Pyongyang?

North Korea said it has detained a US citizen, widely believed to be Robert Park, a Korean-American missionary who crossed the border into North Korea with a message for the regime to close all labor camps. His fate could be tied up in the future of six-party talks. 

Was Abdulmutallab radicalized in London?

The religious background and motivations of Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab, the Nigerian national accused of trying to blow up Northwest Airlines flight 253, are still unclear. But experts say his time in London may have helped fuel a militant world view.

Afghanistan war: Marines move in to stop Taliban from Pakistan

As part of Obama's Afghanistan war surge, some 9,000 marines are moving into small Afghan towns near the border to stop Taliban soldiers and supplies coming from Pakistan. The view from this new front.

In Afghanistan war, marines' struggle to recruit locals could delay US exit

In Khan Neshin, near the Pakistan border, recruitment of locals for the Afghanistan war effort is an often frustrating process. Obstacles include candidates' drug use, illiteracy, and fear of the Taliban.

Pakistan Taliban bombing spree could spur backlash

The Pakistan Taliban may have sought to scare the military from launching an offensive against their base in South Waziristan. But the attacks, which killed 112 people in the past week, could harden the Army's resolve.

The Vote
Squabbling about Afghanistan review no big deal, Gibbs says