Topic: NATO

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Briefing Five things to understand about Turkey's protests

The unrest is unlikely to become a “Turkish Spring,” but it is testing democracy in Turkey.

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Focus Is Afghanistan ready to defend itself?

Evidence is mixed as to the readiness of Afghanistan's Army and National Police to assume the lead in planning and fighting – with the summer combat season likely to be the first big test.
Briefing Five things to understand about Turkey's protests

The unrest is unlikely to become a “Turkish Spring,” but it is testing democracy in Turkey.
Obama pushes big cut in nuclear weapons. Is that a good idea? (+video)

In Berlin, President Obama calls for cutting US deployed nuclear weapons by one-third and urges NATO allies to pursue 'the security of a world without nuclear weapons.'
Taliban peace talks hold glimmer of hope, but also unanswerable questions

No one is predicting an easy road ahead for the peace talks. One key question: How united are the Taliban’s political and military wings behind this latest reconciliation effort?
Terrorism & Security After 12 years, NATO passes security responsibility to Afghan forces

The formal transfer of Afghan forces into the lead of the fight in Afghanistan is raising questions about whether they're prepared to fight on their own.
Energy Voices Libya oil production slows as world looks elsewhere for fuel

Ongoing protests have forced the closure of two export terminals and an entire oil field in Libya, causing a drop in the country's oil production. Gains in production elsewhere may mean a long road ahead for oil in Libya.
Terrorism & Security Taliban assault on Kabul airport ends with seven militants dead

A small Taliban unit assaulted the Kabul airport just before dawn today. Afghan police and Army units handled the response.
Afghanistan fails to pass law banning violence against women

A law banning violence against women, considered a major step forward in women's rights in Afghanistan, failed to pass parliament. The law would have also created shelters for abused women, and limited the number of wives permitted to two.
Why Afghanistan is nervous about the US troop withdrawal

By December 2014 the Afghan National Security Forces that have been built by the US and NATO will be left to largely stand on their own.
Terrorism & Security Afghanistan blast targets NATO convoy, kills at least 6 (+video)

Afghan insurgent group Hizb-e-Islami claimed responsibility for the attack, saying it plans further attacks against foreign troops.
Why insider attacks are down in Afghanistan

No one claims the problem is solved, but officials are cautiously hopeful that the lower number of 'green-on-blue' killings in Afghanistan this year means preventive measures are having an impact.
Opinion 3 priorities for Pakistan's new government

After 14 years, Nawaz Sharif is back at the helm in Pakistan. The nuclear-armed country faces a welter of problems, from terrorism to tensions with Afghanistan, India, and the United States. To move Pakistan forward, Mr. Sharif must focus on three priorities.
Israel, US try full-court press to stop Russian weapons sale to Syria

The US and Israel argue the introduction of Russia's S-300 antiaircraft missile system could be a 'game changer' for the regime.
Turkey nabs nine bombing suspects with alleged ties to Syria's spy agency

Twin car bombings on the Turkey-Syria border left 46 dead this weekend. But Turkey insisted it would not be provoked into a war with Syria.
Two car bombs in Turkey: Is Syria conflict spreading?

Two car bombs in Turkey, near the Syrian border, killed some 40 people, and injured 100, say local officials. If the explosions turn out to be linked to Syria, it would be the biggest death toll in Turkey related to its neighbor's civil war.
Emotional Benghazi testimony revives disputes

On Wednesday, a House panel heard from Gregory Hicks who was stationed in Tripoli at the time of the 2012 Benghazi attack which left Ambassador Chris Stevens and three others dead. The hearing demonstrated a partisan divide between the two parties over how to interpret the attack and the U.S. government's response.
At Kerry-Putin meeting, US-Russia relations thaw – a little

Secretary of State John Kerry sought to ease diplomatic tensions with Russia in preparation for meetings between Putin and Obama later this year. But Syria remains a major sticking point.
Opinion US intervention in Syria must be legitimate in eyes of international law (+video)

Israeli air strikes on Damascus and the conflicting reports on the use of chemical weapons (sarin gas) may complicate President Obama's decision on intervention in Syria. The US must consider the international laws of war before taking any action.
Former Italian premier Giulio Andreotti dies, state TV says

Giulio Andreotti, who helped Italy rebuild after World War II, passed away Monday. Andreotti served in the Italian parliament for six decades and as premier for seven terms.
Airline lipstick ban: Is red lipstick unIslamic?

Airline lipstick ban: Turkey's national airline banned red lipstick and nail polish for its flight attendants. The ban is prompting a backlash among some secular Turks.
Veteran US diplomat appointed new special envoy to Afghanistan, Pakistan

Secretary of State John Kerry has appointed James Dobbins as the new special envoy to Afghanistan and Pakistan. Dobbins will face challenges negotiating with the Taliban, and on questions of US drone strikes.
5 US soldiers killed by bomb in southern Afghanistan

During one of the bloodiest weeks for NATO forces this year in Afghanistan, five US soldiers were killed Saturday when an explosive device struck their vehicle in the Kandahar province.
Somali pirates have not mounted a successful hijacking for nearly a year

Somali pirates: US diplomat Donna Leigh Hopkins credits the combined efforts of international naval forces and stepped-up security on ships including the use of armed guards.
Decoder Wire Hillary Clinton 2016: How many secretaries of State became presidents? (+video)

Former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger paid Hillary Clinton, who was also secretary of State, compliments at an event Wednesday. If she runs and wins in 2016, she could reestablish an old pattern.
In time of trans-Atlantic austerity, US expands military presence in Spain

With its already small defense budget hit hard by the economic crisis Spain is leasing several bases to the US in exchange for access to better technology, intelligence, and training.