Topic: Somalia

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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.
Somalia: A timeline of change in a troubled country

Here is a timeline of changes, intervention, and mediation in 5 bite-sized bits.
5 ways Americans and Iranians are surprisingly similar

Despite escalating US-Iran tensions, remarkable similarities between their peoples have prompted some to suggest that the US and Iran could one day be powerful ‘natural’ allies.
Pentagon budget: top 3 winners and losers

In Pentagon parlance, the word “cut” is a relative term. The Defense Department’s base budget decreases from $553 billion this year to $525 billion in 2013, but it rebounds steadily to $567 billion in 2017. With this in mind, here are the top three winners and losers:
Famous US Special Forces operations

Here are six of the most famous successful American special operations missions in recent memory.

All Content

Arms race, uneasy peace in Sudan

In the south, the parliament voted to double its budget to cover military spending, and the north spent 20 percent of its budget on the military.
World
Terrorism & Security
Report confirms 'shadow war' waged by US special forces

A 2004 classified order authorized the military to attack Al Qaeda operatives around the globe. As many as a dozen raids occurred under this mandate.
Denied US asylum, an Eritrean prison guard appeals to high court

He says he was forced to stand guard as others were tortured and killed.
World
Terrorism & Security
Somali pirates seize Turkish ore freighter

Five other attacks were foiled this week, authorities say. But a unified international response could be difficult.
World
How McCain, Obama would do as commander in chief

McCain has the experience, but Obama may be more open to Pentagon advice.
US national security's challenge: communication

History shows what happens when agencies don't talk.
Terrorism & Security
Somali forces free hijacked vessel

Amid increasingly brazen pirate attacks, Europe eyes antipiracy patrols.
African countries improve their governance, study shows

The Mo Ibrahim Index announced this week that 31 of 48 countries are run better.
World
Terrorism & Security
Pirates, warships continue tense standoff near Somali coast

The US and Russia fear that on-board weapons could reach Al Qaeda
World
World
Stolen tanks add urgency to piracy fight

U.S. warships surrounded the hijacked MV Faina and its military cargo off Somalia's coast Monday.
Reporters on the Job
World
Getting food ships past Somalian pirates

Attacks at sea force a UN aid agency to rely on naval guards.
Reporters on the Job
Terrorism & Security
French lead fight against Somali piracy surge

Increasingly brazen attacks jeopardize the delivery of humanitarian aid and inspire calls for tough action.
World
USA
A Guide to the Birds of East Africa

A McCall Smith-like romance set in Kenya's expat community.
Twin Cities: homespun and cosmopolitan

The GOP National Convention opens in a place reflecting the nation’s enduring agrarian myth ... with skyscrapers.