Topic: Syria

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3 new novels featuring risk-taking protagonists

In these three new releases, characters seize at chances for new experiences.
Briefing
Chemical weapons 101: Six facts about sarin and Syria’s stockpile

President Obama said Assad's use of chemical weapons would be a 'red line' for US. Did he use sarin or any other chemical weapon against his own people?
Top 3 threats to the United States: the good and bad news

The annual Worldwide Threat Assessment of the US Intelligence Community is out this week, a widely-anticipated report compiled by the nation’s intelligence agencies. Here is the good and bad news about the top three threats facing the United States, according to an unclassified version of the report.
Five energy challenges for Venezuela

With the passing of Hugo Chávez, the issue of what Venezuela chooses to do with its oil moves to center stage for the energy industry – and for environmentalists. Here are five energy challenges that Venezuela will have to face.
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.

All Content

Iran nuclear program: US, EU step up sanctions pressure

US Defense Secretary Robert Gates, speaking in Iraq, said additional sanctions could be imposed for Iran nuclear program if Iran does not fulfill October agreements.
Obama Nobel Peace Prize: What Arabs think

The Obama Nobel Peace Prize is seen as inappropriate by many Arabs, who are angry about the surge of US troops into Afghanistan and a stagnant Israeli-Palestinian peace process.
Israel: Netanyahu backs benefits package for settlers after protests

After 10,000 settlers and their supporters protested in Israel last night, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu offered tax breaks and other benefits to mollify them. But his effort to please everyone may be backfiring.
In Pictures: The answer is blowing in the wind
Difference Maker Saving cultural treasures in war-torn lands

Stuart Gibson circles the globe to help endangered museums undergo rebirth.
In Obama meeting, Turkey touts diplomacy for Iran nuclear program

Turkey's prime minister, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, told Obama Monday that diplomacy is the only way to solve the issues of the Iran nuclear program. But Obama and others are beginning to lose patience with Tehran.
Syria says bus blast not terrorism, but circumstances unclear

Syria says a large bus explosion Thursday near a shrine frequented by Iranian Shiites was caused by excessive tire pressure, not terrorism.
Opinion: Israel, Lebanon, and the Middle East conflict

Israel and Lebanon have more pressing concerns than war with each other, but bickering could escalate to incite war if the US and Europe don't help.
Timeline: Iran's reach for nuclear power

Mileposts in Iran's quest to harness nuclear power.
Opinion: Middle East power shifting to Turkey and Iran

President Obama and the West need to adjust accordingly.
Iraq refugees face dwindling UN funds, creating concerns of unrest

The UN has had trouble securing international funds to support as many as 2 million Iraq refugees throughout the Middle East who are barred from working in their host countries.
Abu Ghraib attack raises fears of resurgent Al Qaeda in Iraq

The murder of 13 in Abu Ghraib this weekend has some worried that Al Qaeda in Iraq may be exploiting gaps between withdrawing US forces and Iraqi troops not yet ready to stand alone.
Lebanon's Hariri, Hezbollah form new government

Five months after a Western-backed coalition narrowly beat the Hezbollah-led opposition in in Lebanon's June elections, the two sides reached a deal Monday night.
After Fort Hood shooting: attention on Muslims in US military

The alleged shooter last week at Fort Hood is Muslim. But the overall picture of Muslims in the military is hardly one of strife and fundamentalism.
Israel seizes weapons it said were being sent by Iran to Syria

Israel's Navy seized a ship off the coast of Cyprus with 500 tons of weapons that it alleges were sent by Iran to Syria, and ultimately destined for Hezbollah militants in Lebanon.
Israel says weapons shipment a war crime, Iran and Syria cry foul

Israel's Netanyahu said Thursday a large arms shipment seized this week was sent by Iran to Syria and Hezbollah, and charged this was a 'war crime.'
Italian court sentences 23 CIA agents in attack on rendition

An Italian court sentenced 23 US CIA agents in absentia to prison for the abduction and 'extraordinary rendition' of Muslim cleric from Milan in 2003.
Israel calls on Gulf states to aid Palestinians

Deputy Foreign Minister Danny Ayalon said Arab countries needed to step up support. Meanwhile, Hamas test-fired a rocket that could reach Tel Aviv suburbs.
Turkey moves to engage more deeply in Mideast – and with neighbors

Turkey's government has inked new accords with Armenia and Syria, evidence of its bid to establish itself as a regional soft-power broker.
Opinion: The US should make a U-turn on its approach to Hezbullah

Past efforts to uproot the militant group have failed. Obama must try a different tack and focus on Israel and Lebanon.
The Monitor's View: Turkey's worrisome approach to Iran, Israel

Ankara must be careful that its "zero problems" policy on its borders doesn't create new problems that alienate old friends.
Iraq bombings: US military spokesman praises Iraqi response

Brig. Gen. Stephen Lanza lauds Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki for focusing on rebuilding, rather than rushing to assign blame as he did in the wake of the Aug. 19 bombings.
Could water scarcity cause international conflict?

Some have predicted that conflicts over water scarcity are inevitable, but what does the record show?
How FBI traced Tarek Mehanna in his quest to become a jihadi

Informants helped the FBI track Tarek Mehanna to the Middle East in search of terrorist training, according to government documents. Agents also copied his computer hard drive.
FBI outlines case against Tarek Mehanna in terror plot

Massachusetts resident Tarek Mehanna, arrested Wednesday, plotted to attack Americans at a shopping mall, FBI says. Failing that, he tried cyberattacks.