Topic: Saddam Hussein
Top galleries, list articles, quizzes
-
Chemical weapons 101: Six facts about sarin and Syria’s stockpile
Word from the White House that Syria probably resorted to small-scale use of chemical weapons against rebel forces in the country's civil war draws new attention to the internationally-banned nerve agent sarin.Perhaps the best-known recent use of sarin previously was in the 1995 Tokyo subway attack, in which at least 13 people died. But sarin’s legacy is about to get an update and henceforth seems likely to be associated with Syria and its besieged president, Bashar al-Assad.
-
When dictators fall, so do their banknotes
The following now defunct or possibly soon-to-be defunct banknotes are imbued with the symbols and iconography of their leaders, past and present.
-
Six reasons this UN General Assembly is must-see TV
World leaders descend on New York for the annual United Nations gathering, starting Sept. 25. If the recent past is any guide, it can be a memorable, even explosive, occasion. Here are six moments to watch for, to brace for, this time.
-
4 ways US and Iran can make nuclear talks work
The Moscow talks on Iran’s nuclear program ended in stalemate June 19, as both cynics and optimists anticipated. While low-level experts will meet in July, the next set of sanctions against Iran are scheduled to kick in within weeks, arguably restarting the whole negotiating process. The next time around, the parties should consider broadening their approach in these four ways.
-
Iran's nuclear program: 4 things you probably didn't know
Do the US and Israel believe that Iran has a nuclear weapons program? Did President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad really promise to "wipe Israel off the map"? The answers may surprise you.
All Content
-
Obama 'red line' on Syrian chemical weapons gets a bit grayer
President Obama has said Syria's use of chemical weapons would be a 'red line.' Evidence is mounting, but Obama's desire for an international response throws prospects for action into doubt.
-
Chemical weapons 101: Six facts about sarin and Syria’s stockpile
Word from the White House that Syria probably resorted to small-scale use of chemical weapons against rebel forces in the country's civil war draws new attention to the internationally-banned nerve agent sarin.Perhaps the best-known recent use of sarin previously was in the 1995 Tokyo subway attack, in which at least 13 people died. But sarin’s legacy is about to get an update and henceforth seems likely to be associated with Syria and its besieged president, Bashar al-Assad.
-
Backchannels Should use of chemical weapons in Syria be a 'game changer?'
Last month President Obama called chemical weapons use by Syria a 'game changer,' but why do US interests change if chemical weapons are used?
-
White House all but sure Syria used chemical weapons – but needs to be sure
Since August, President Obama has laid down use or transfer of Syria’s chemicals weapons as a 'red line.' The White House letter puts the US closer to acknowledging such a line has been crossed.
-
Chemical weapons in Syria? What Obama's high bar for proof could mean.
Three key US allies – Britain, France, and Israel – have said Syria has used chemical weapons in its civil war, but the US, wary of intervening in the conflict, is calling the evidence 'inconclusive.'
-
Tunisians yearn for the good old days of a strongman
Tunisians still revile ousted leader President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, but admiration is rising for his predecessor, who had strongman tendencies of his own but also helped Tunisia flourish.
-
Decoder Wire George W. Bush poll numbers up. Does America miss him yet?
George W. Bush left office with a 23 percent approval rating, but now, as his presidential library is about to open in Dallas, he's back up to 47 percent. But he's got a way to catch Bill Clinton.
-
Could chemical weapons in Syria force Obama's hand?
President Obama last August declared that any use or transport of Syria's chemical weapons would constitute a 'red line' for US policy toward the country. Now Israel, Britain, and France say they have evidence that Syria has crossed that line.
-
Canada alleges Al Qaeda plot from Iran, but Tehran's involvement unlikely (+video)
Shiite Iran and Sunni Al Qaeda have long had a hostile relationship. While state involvement appears unlikely, Tehran has less control over the country's far east.
-
Two bishops kidnapped by rebels, says Syrian government
Two bishops were kidnapped by 'a terrorist group,' say Syrian officials. Several Muslim clerics have been killed, but the two bishops are the most senior Christian leaders caught up in the conflict which has killed more than 70,000 people across Syria.
-
Terrorism & Security Pre-election violence rocks Baghdad, capped with cafe bombing today
Today's bomb attack in Baghdad is only the latest in a series of attacks ahead of tomorrow's provincial elections, which are considered an important test of Iraq's post-war stability.
-
Decoder Wire 'If babies had guns they wouldn't be aborted.' Is Rep. Steve Stockman serious?
Rep. Steve Stockman sees himself as a conservative insurgent and likes to shock. But his new bumper sticker promoting his pro-gun and anti-abortion views might have a specific agenda.
-
For former Iranian 'terrorists,' a warm Washington welcome
With Washington luminaries in attendance, the Iranian dissident group NCRI and its formerly armed wing MEK inaugurated their sleek new offices Thursday, within sight of the White House.
-
On 10th anniversary of Baghdad's fall, Iraqis remain torn
Many Iraqis are glad Saddam Hussein is gone, but still grieve about what followed.
-
Margaret Thatcher: 'This is no time to go wobbly' and other memorable quotes
A Monitor reporter who briefly overlapped with Margaret Thatcher when he was Paris correspondent recounts her outsized presence at European gatherings.
-
Were chemical weapons used in Syria? UN team poised for probe.
Syrian President Bashar al-Assad called for a chemical-weapons investigation of an alleged March 19 attack, but he’s apparently gotten cold feet. Here's why.
-
The Monitor's View: What made Margaret Thatcher special in her time
Margaret Thatcher's leadership qualities were essential for Britain and the world of the 1980s, but her failings also provide lessons for leaders today.
-
Opinion: Think you know the Reagan and Bush era? Think again.
Political events in the era of Presidents Reagan and Bush senior have great relevance to today, from budget cuts ('sequestration') to President Obama's agenda. But this history is often remembered incorrectly, or not at all – to the detriment of America's political discourse.
-
Iraq's Christians face hardship, but peaceful Easter also highlights promise
War and persecution by newly empowered Islamist forces drove Iraq's Christians away, halving the population of the once-thriving community. But a new Christian leader vows to rebuild.
-
Focus
Iraq war: On the road to Baghdad for 17 daysAndy Nelson, who photographed the US invasion of Iraq, recalls the pulling down of Saddam's statue – and early signs of chaos.
-
Focus
Ten years after invasion, Iraq remains dangerously dividedIn the new Iraq, old sectarian fears remain. Around Baghdad's Green Zone, the fortified seat of government, concrete walls pulled down a year ago are going back up.
-
Schwarzkopf memorial: Stormin' Norman honored at West Point
General Norman Schwarzkopf's memorial was held today at West Point, the school where he attended, taught, and was married.
-
Backchannels WikiLeaks discover ties between Nigerian scammers and Straftor
Sort of.
-
The legacy of London's Iraq War march of 2003
Despite failing to prevent Britain from joining the US invasion of Iraq, the UK’s largest-ever political demonstration left a lasting political and cultural legacy.
-
The hunt for Christopher Dorner: Do reward offers help or hinder?
More than 1,000 tips have been received since the offer of a $1 million reward for information leading to the capture of former Los Angeles cop Christopher Dorner.
Become part of the Monitor community