Topic: Michael Hayden

Chorus grows against Obama administration's sanctions-heavy Iran policy

The Obama administration's effort to end Iran's nuclear program has focused on punitive measures, with little diplomatic outreach. Critics say this jeopardizes negotiations.

No prank: On Halloween, US military forces train for zombie apocalypse

The scenario is part of a counterterrorism summit held this week. A zombie invasion would have characteristics similar to other catastrophic events and would be 'a federal incident,' a summit organizer says.

Senators spar with power industry: Is it safe from cyberattack?

A Senate hearing on protecting the power grid and other crucial infrastructure from cyberattack pivots on the question: Should federal cybersecurity standards be voluntary?

Regime change: How fear of Iran nukes, and campaign politics, revived the call

A tough-talking debate over pursuing regime change is all the rage again, this time focused on Iran. But proponents say they prefer economic sanctions to military force as the main lever. 

With deadline looming to close MEK's Camp Ashraf in Iraq, what next?

Camp Ashraf, home to militants opposed to the Iran regime who are also unpopular in Iraq, faces year-end closure. Some fear there could be violence and even suicide, but there are signs of a negotiated settlement.

Mitt Romney's hawkish foreign policy plan: A substitute for experience?

In a speech at The Citadel military college in South Carolina Friday, Republican presidential hopeful Mitt Romney outlined a muscular foreign policy and national security plan.

If US removes Iran's MEK from list of terrorist organizations, will it matter?

The MEK, whose terrorist listing is up for review by the State Department, is not apt to directly threaten the US. But delisting the group could hurt Iran's Green movement.

Iranian group's big-money push to get off US terrorist list

SPECIAL INVESTIGATION: A roster of influential former US officials is speaking at rallies in support of removing the MEK, an Iranian opposition group with a violent anti-American history, from the US terrorist list. A decision is expected within weeks.

Cyber ShockWave cripples computers nationwide (sorta)

The Cyber ShockWave simulation tests America's response to a computer attack.

The Monitor's View: Will Obama really prosecute CIA interrogators?

If most former CIA chiefs oppose a probe of agents who questioned terror suspects, the president must listen.

Reports: CIA hired Blackwater to help assassinate terrorists

The agency employed the controversial firm to assist with 'planning, training, and surveillance' – and possibly to kill and capture – Al Qaeda operatives, according to news reports.

Obama torture policies slammed by critics on both sides

The president's decision not to prosecute CIA agents for torture is being criticized by right advocates.

Letters to the Editor

Readers write about facts about Russia and Iran, how China can improve its human rights, and what the US and Canada can learn from the EU's example.

Charges dropped against USS Cole bombing suspect

The move, which brings the tribunal into compliance with Obama's Guantánamo stay order, allows charges to be reinstated later.

Pakistan detains London bombing suspect

The Al Qaeda militant was one of seven detained for planning attacks on supply convoys for coalition forces in Afghanistan.

Pakistan cracks down on Lashkar-e-Taiba

India insists the suspects be tried in India, rejecting a Pakistani trial.

Who are Somalia's pirates?

A Monitor Q&A reveals who's behind the modern-day pirates, how they got so good at taking ships, and what's being done to stop them.

Saudi Arabia: Militant groups remain active despite record arrests

Detainees are accused of having links to Al Qaeda, but human rights groups fear arbitrary arrests have been made.

Secret accord sheltered Al Qaeda linked militants in tribal Pakistan

Wednesday, a US airstrike killed 11 Pakistani soldiers near the Afghan border.

Pakistan's prime minister broaches Taliban peace

Newly elected Yousaf Raza Gillani's announcement may cause rift with US.

Why Congress, Bush disagree on waterboarding of terror suspects

The president is likely to veto a bill outlawing such harsh interrogation methods, but the debate goes on.

CIA rendition flights landed in British territories

The British government says it has learned from the US that its earlier denials of aiding the criticized operations were wrong.

World

CIA blames Al Qaeda, Taliban for Bhutto assassination

Director of CIA says "no reason" to doubt Islamist group's responsibility, echoing findings of Scotland Yard.