Topic: Laurent Fabius

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Why no safe zone in Syria, yet? 5 complications

The flood of Syrian refugees entering Turkey – as many as 5,000 a day for the last 10 days – has ratcheted up the pressure for a safe zone’s creation. But a safe zone is complicated and carries many risks.

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Terrorism & Security Britain joins France in saying nerve gas used in Syria

The British Foreign Office found the presence of sarin gas in several samples from Syria a day after the French government said there was 'no doubt' the chemical weapon was used by Assad's forces.
Sarin confirmed? France, Britain confirm use of chemical weapons in Syria

France said today it has confirmed that the nerve gas sarin was used by the Syrian regime. Britain later said it had found evidence of sarin as well.
French embassy bombing hits embassy and innocent neighbors

The French embassy bombing this morning in Tripoli, Libya, started fires in the embassy itself and several nearby buildings, including homes outside the French compound. Two embassy guards were wounded in the bombing, as was a Libyan girl eating breakfast.
Explosion at French Embassy in Libya highlights security challenges (+video)

The explosion wounded two French guards in what appeared to be the first major terrorist attack on a diplomatic compound in Tripoli since the ouster of Col. Muammar Qaddafi.
In radical move, Hollande puts a bit more sunshine into French government

Beset by criticism after a cabinet member confessed to tax evasion, French President Hollande told his ministers to reveal their assets – a rare disclosure in a country that talks little about wealth.
Backchannels From every direction, arms for Syria

France is pushing hard, it seems, for Western powers to arm Syria's rebellion. If they get their way, they'll be joining an already crowded playing field.
France dials up pressure on US to arm Syrian rebels

France and Britain are pushing the European Union to drop an embargo against arming Syrian rebels. Their push is at odds with with current US policy.
Terrorism & Security France: Mali withdrawal is in sight

France said today that it hopes to withdraw its troops from Mali next month, but it's unclear what will fill the resulting power vacuum and continue the fight against jihadist forces.
French out of Timbuktu by end of week, airstrikes continue (+video)

French forces will leave to subdue rebels in the north while Malian troops will handle security for the ancient crossroads town.
Mali war pulls France's Hollande out of polling slump (+video)

However, the first Socialist elected to French high office in decades still faces high unemployment and low growth.
French will 'quickly' exit Mali after mop up, leaving vacuum

After launching a full scale military intervention on Jan. 11, French forces in Mali faced little hard fighting and set to turn security over to African and local authorities.
Ferocious battle for strategic suburb could hold the keys to Damascus (+video)

Syria's Assad regime appears to be investing all it has in the battle for Daraya to ensure its grip on power. Sixty percent of Army troops are deployed in Damascus.
What does the world expect from newly confirmed Secretary of State John Kerry?

From France to Pakistan to China, many have voiced expectations that John Kerry's vast experience and diplomatic skill will be a boon to dealing with international crises and issues.
Opinion Attacks in Mali, Libya, Algeria show why Africa still needs US support

Attacks by Islamist insurgents on US outposts in Benghazi, Libya, at a gas plant in Algeria, and in Mali expose several reasons for persistent security weakness across Africa. For one thing, many countries are too poor to supply the funds and soldiers for regional peace efforts.
Terrorism & Security Mali Islamists threaten to retaliate 'at the heart of France' (+video)

France committed its forces to a military intervention in Mali to stop the Islamists' advance toward Bamako. Today, they threatened payback.
Terrorism & Security Has Israel's settlement expansion crossed a 'red line'? (+video)

Both Britain and France have summoned Israel's ambassadors to protest plans to expand construction in East Jerusalem, while some say more serious action like economic reprisals are possible.
Backchannels How lonely must it be to be Mahmoud Abbas?

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas is losing support at home as Hamas' star rises. While he's trying to regain relevance with a UN bid this week, the US and Israel are working against him.
France to support Palestinian bid for UN status

The Palestinians have lobbied for European support for their bid at non-member status at the United Nations. Approval would boost Palestinian efforts to gain international recognition.
Goma's fall: Could UN troops in Congo have done more to prevent it?

The ease Tuesday with which rebels overran Goma, one of DR Congo's largest cities, underscores UN peacekeepers' 'difficult problem': their limited mandate.
As Gaza offensive intensifies, Israel enjoys unusual international support

European governments as well as the US are standing shoulder-to-shoulder with Israel over the conflict with Hamas in the Gaza Strip – drawing the ire of the Muslim world.
Israel talks cease-fire in Egypt, while widening range of targets in Gaza

Egypt has been leading international efforts to broker a truce between Israel and Gaza. On Sunday, an Israeli envoy talked with Egyptian officials, but Israel and Gaza's Hamas rulers have yet to compromise.
Terrorism & Security France: Is it time to arm Syria's rebels?

Two days after recognizing new Syrian opposition group, France said it would float giving rebels defensive weapons. But even with the French push, such arms shipments look far from imminent.
Terrorism & Security What is The National Coalition for Syrian Revolutionary and Opposition Forces? (+video)

The fractious Syrian opposition has come together to create a new unified front in their battle against President Bashar al-Assad.
Barack O-bonbon: French sweet on president's reelection

It's hardly been a secret that the French government hoped President Obama would win a second term.
Lebanese mourn anti-Syrian official killed in car bombing

Thousands of Lebanese attended the funeral for Brig. Gen. Wissam al-Hassan, an opponent of Syria, who died in a massive car bombing. Some have called him a martyr.