Topic: North Africa

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5 reasons why Africa is not ready to meet its own security needs – yet

Africa’s experiment in a regional approach to security is serious and laudable, but it will take time to build credible capacity. Here are five reasons why Africa is not ready to meet its own security needs – yet.
Hezbollah 101: Who is the militant group, and what does it want?

The Shiite militant group and political party is a player not just in Lebanon, where it is based, but across the broader Middle East. It remains a staunch opponent of Israel, which it fought to a standstill in 2006, and a close ally of Iran and Syria – despite both regimes' crackdowns on citizens Hezbollah purports to champion.
Briefing
Five things to know about Freedom House's latest global rankings

A look at the 2012 Freedom House ranking of 197 countries according to their relative freedom.
Briefing
Top 3 reasons why Al Qaeda is more dangerous than ever

On the one-year anniversary of Osama bin Laden’s death, defense analysts say that there are plenty of reasons to think that a resurgence of the perniciously resourceful Al Qaeda is not out of the question.
In Pictures: Unusual military hats

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Economic future for Libya brighter than in Tunisia, Egypt

Libya has immense petroleum wealth, a small population, and an ability to attract foreign investment. But the international community must see that Libya's interim Transitional National Council follows its 'road map' to an accountable and transparent new government.
Atrocities and lack of supplies strain Tripoli (VIDEO)

In Tripoli, human rights workers and locals are uncovering evidence of mass killings by Muammar Qaddafi's retreating army. Meanwhile, water distribution and other basic services are in disarray.
What's the deal with the new Libyan flag?

As Libyan rebels take over, embassies worldwide have been replacing he old Libyan flag with a new one. Where does this new flag come from?
Could NATO's Libya mission be its last hurrah?

With the austerity gripping Europe and a new generation of leaders not shaped by cold-war politics, NATO's future is increasingly in question.
American hikers Josh Fattal and Shane Bauer get stiff sentences in Iran

Josh Fattal and Shane Bauer, who’ve been held for two years in a Tehran prison, received five years for espionage and three years for illegal entry into Iran. Supporters hope they may be pardoned as diplomatic bargaining chips.
The Monitor's View: The peace industry can win its war

Conflicts around the world are both changing and, in some measure, declining. One big reason: The art of conflict resolution and the numbers of people practicing it have risen.
Libya rebels cut all fuel pipelines to Tripoli: reports

Libya's leader Muammar Qaddafi appears to be running out of options as rebels close in on Tripoli, but an end to his regime could still be a long way off.
On the ICC and Syria

Some points I should have made in my post last week.
Arrest of money launderer 'Dolly' in Colombia is minimal blow to Sinaloa drug cartel

The arrest of the Colombian woman, accused of laundering money for the Mexican drug cartel, will do little to hamper a group that operates in as many as 50 countries, including the US.
Hostage video: Europeans kidnapped in Nigeria blame Al Qaeda

In a video of two European engineers who were kidnapped in Nigeria, the hostages say their kidnappers are from Al Qaeda, but their home governments have doubts.
Opinion: Look to the cold war to chill fresh calls for American isolationism

Several Democrats and Republicans are calling for a fresh -- and dangerous -- isolationism. But just as Europe needed US leadership after the cold war, so does the Arab world now.
Can US Libya strategy survive the assassination of rebels' top general?

The assassination of Gen. Younis is a major challenge to the rebels – and to the strategy of the US and others who recognized the rebels as Libya's government and must stay the course.
Britain leads NATO effort to find Libya exit strategy

The British government yesterday recognized Libya's rebel government and freed up nearly $150 million in frozen assets for the rebels' use.
West must support democracy in Arab world as it did in Central Europe

Western leaders must support democracy in the Arab world now in 2011 as they did in Central and Eastern Europe in 1989. The time for viewing dictatorships as defenders of Western civilization is finished.
Despite threats, Malawi protesters rally against high prices, corruption

Like those in North Africa, nationwide protests in Malawi have been sparked by discontent over higher food and fuel prices, as well as concerns that the government is becoming increasingly authoritarian.
Can green energy help Palestinians unplug from Israel?

Green energy proponents hope to convince Palestinians that renewables can give them greater autonomy from Israel and is more affordable in the long run.
The Open Government Partnership – a new direction for US foreign policy?

The new US- and Brazil-led initiative to encourage government transparency could provide the US another means to promote democracy and free trade.
In Libya's west, rebels rise amid rights concerns, growing pride

The increasingly assertive rebels in Libya's western Nafusah Mountains have committed abuses, Human Rights Watch says today. There's also growing pride, and confidence they're going to win their fight against Muammar Qaddafi.
Pentagon chief Panetta: US within reach of defeating Al Qaeda

On his first trip to Afghanistan as Secretary of Defense, Leon Panetta offered an upbeat assessment. "We're within reach of strategically defeating Al Qaeda," he said.
The Monitor's View: Egypt needs rights, democratic principles before its votes

With the threat of Islamic groups possibly winning power and then hijacking democracy, Egypt needs a bill of rights and other democratic guarantees before an election.
Denmark imposes new border checks to keep out immigrants, 'criminals'

The right-wing Danish People's Party insisted that Denmark, part of the Schengen travel zone, impose spot border checks to keep out 'criminals from Eastern Europe.'
90 years of China's Communist Party: from secret society to 'harmonious society'

China's Communist Party has transformed from the secretive, illegal revolutionary force that it was 90 years ago to a political party at the helm of a rapidly changing China.
China should listen to Kissinger: You're on top now, start leading

China has surpassed the US as the world's largest creditor. Beijing must now take on the accompanying leadership role. Instead of a 'Marshall Plan,' why not a 'Hu Jintao plan' that recycles some of China's surplus to benefit the whole global system?
Iran test fires 14 missiles capable of reaching Israeli, US targets

The missile launch kicked off 10 days of war games. Iran also unveiled underground ballistic missile silos that the West suspects are for launching nuclear warheads.
Gas prices falling fast

Gas prices have come down an average 38 cents a gallon in the past seven weeks. Gas prices could fall another 25 cents by mid-July.