Topic: James Dobbins
All Content
-
John Kerry as secretary of State: expect a more traditional style (+video)
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, with her late-night dancing and talks with children, was known for her 'people to people' style. John Kerry is expected to adopt a more traditional version of diplomacy.
-
Obama chooses John Kerry for secretary of State. How might he do?
President Obama is expected on Friday to name Sen. John Kerry to replace Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. He'd come with his own pet issues – as well as a reputation as a patient negotiator.
-
Pressure mounts on Obama to change tactics on Iran
In a letter to the White House, Iran experts insisted diplomacy, not further sanctions, will have the best results. But US actions since then indicate more sticks than carrots.
-
After winning re-election, Obama faces Iran, Syria
President Obama's re-election ensures continuity in US foreign policy, he now faces the governments of Iran, Syria, and possibly China.
-
Syrian crisis: the case for the US to intervene now – or not
Senate hawks urge a swift US military response to Syria's deepening conflict, citing humanitarian concerns and US security interests, including the regime's chemical weapons. Critics ask: Is it possible to end the fighting on acceptable terms?
-
Focus
NATO summit: Who will foot the bill for long-term Afghanistan security?A war-weary US faces off with wary NATO allies in Chicago about money and support for Afghanistan after US combat troops withdraw in 2014. Don't expect any "Mission Accomplished" speeches.
-
Afghanistan security for less? How low can NATO go?
As NATO leaders convene for the weekend summit in Chicago, one pressing issue is whether, and how much, the post-NATO-withdrawal Afghan security forces can be pared down to save money.
-
Terrorism & Security
Iran nuclear talks: Tehran says it's ready, despite assassination.Tehran said it is ready to resume Iran nuclear talks with international powers after more than a year-long break. But it has yet to formally respond to an EU request to return to the table.
-
Yemen, Sudan, Libya: Can US douse flames of Middle East hot spots?
With the euphoria over the Arab Spring wearing off, President Obama is sending top aides to the Middle East to address worsening violence in Yemen and fears of renewed civil strife in Sudan.
-
Decoding Obama's comments on war in Afghanistan: What did he really mean?
Obama’s citing of ‘fragile but reversible progress’ in his review of the war in Afghanistan is a signal to all the parties involved, including Americans, that the US withdrawal may go slowly.
-
Diplomat Richard Holbrooke passes away
Accomplished diplomat and Nobel Peace Prize nominee, Richard Holbrooke, passed away Monday, after a lifetime of service.
-
North Korea and Iran: How the two states test US diplomacy
North Korea is seen as an unpredictable 'spoiled child.' Iran is seen as a rational but aggressive nation. Each have nuclear programs, but pose unique problems for US security.
-
A big question at London conference: What to do about Yemen?
How to battle Al Qaeda-affiliated extremists in Yemen has been added to a London conference on Afghanistan. The Fort Hood shooting and Christmas Day airline bombing attempt have made Yemen's extremists a more urgent problem for the US and its antiterror allies.
-
Afghanistan: Why Obama is rethinking 'war of necessity'
Waning American support for the war and allegations of fraud in the Afghan elections have turned a policy review into a fervent debate about the Afghanistan conflict within the Obama administration.
-
Is Obama's 'let's talk' diplomacy failing?
The US has scored no big wins under his policy of talking with the enemy. Doubts that it can are rising.
-
To stem terror in Pakistan, US looks beyond military
Washington is seeking to build the Pakistani state and its economy as a way to wean the country from Islamic extremism.
-
Iran: Will talks happen under Obama?
A period of reestablishing relations with Iran's partners seems likely. Also expect contacts with lower-tier Iranian officials.
-
Odierno takes charge in a 'fragile' Iraq
Gen. David Petraeus, who handed over command on Tuesday to Gen. Raymond Odierno, will lead US Central Command.
Become part of the Monitor community