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

In Syria, delicate preservation work is pushing against profit-driven speed.

Damascus is rediscovering its architectural gems, but hasty restoration puts history at risk.
Syria: Where war hides history
Opinion: Turkey can avert a tragedy on the Tigris

It can develop energy and progress into the future without washing away the town of Hasankeyf, its jewel of the past.
Baghdad bombing leaves hole in diplomatic corps

Iraq's Foreign Ministry saw 10 percent of its staff killed or injured. Foreign minister blames systemic security breaches for last week's assault.
Ramadi struggles to instill a rule of law

Attacks rise, but a new $21 million court has failed to convict any major suspects in six months. US Marines frustrated by shrinking role in key Iraqi city
Former US ambassador to Iraq reflects on life outside green zone

Ryan Crocker was a major force in helping to turn around Iraq, Presidents Bush and Obama say.
Is Obama's 'let's talk' diplomacy failing?

The US has scored no big wins under his policy of talking with the enemy. Doubts that it can are rising.
Turkey offers water for Iraqi crackdown on Kurdish rebels

Seeking to expand its role on the Mideast stage, it promised Tuesday to send more water to drought-stricken Iraq, which faces its lowest harvest in a decade.
Abbas's big move to revamp Fatah

On Tuesday, the Palestinian president convened his party's first congress since 1989 to strengthen its position in negotiations with Israel, Hamas.
Is it a result of climate change or something else? Part 2.
Arabs losing hope in Obama's ability to broker Mideast peace

In a push for progress, three heavy hitters from the administration – Mitchell, Gates, and Jones – visited the region this week.
In Israel, no settlement deal for US envoy – just more settlers

During Mitchell's visit, activists set up 11 outposts. A report said the number of Israelis living in the West Bank has surpassed 300,000.
Syria: Iraqi artists, now refugees, struggle to pursue art in exile
Envoy Mitchell kicks off Mideast peace push

In Syria, Mitchell said peace between Israel and Syria was a 'near-term goal.' Syrian, Israeli, Egyptian, and Palestinian leaders are meeting with the special envoy, who will be joined by Defense Secretary Gates and other high-level US officials.
Will Iran's political turmoil shake Hezbollah?

The Shiite militant organization in Lebanon draws money and ideological guidance from Iran's supreme leader.
Summer reading list
Bombers target Baghdad churches – again

Six churches were attacked within the past 24 hours, the first such attacks since the withdrawal of US combat troops from Iraqi cities.
In dusty Turkish village, surfing the Web for brides

Turkey's rising status in the Arab world – along with the arrival of the Internet in this rural town – has helped men attract women from Morocco. Most are second wives.
How Iran's election – and three others – have reshaped Mideast

Briefing: With newly installed or reinstalled leaders in Iran, Lebanon, Israel, and the US, the balance of power has shifted between a US-allied bloc and the 'axis of resistance.'
In Iraq, twin bombings follow insurgent's renewed call to fight US

The attacks underscore the security challenges after the US withdrawal from cities, particularly in the volatile areas in the north.
Risking Israel's ire, US takes 1,350 Palestinian refugees

The US is generally reluctant to resettle Palestinians, but these are refugees from Iraq who have been targeted since the invasion.
Can Lebanon's Hariri work with Hezbollah?

A Monitor reporter sits down with Prime Minister-designate Saad Hariri in his mansion as he discusses the legacy of his father and a fresh push for reconciliation.
The United States and Venezuela begin to make nice

An exchange of ambassadors is part of Obama's policy of engagement over confrontation.
Will Iran's turmoil change the Middle East?

The Islamic republic is unlikely to change its foreign policy or nuclear program, no matter who comes out on top. But the crisis could change Arab relations with the US and Iraq.
US Navy well-versed in interdicting suspect cargo ships

Tracking North Korea's Kang Nam is not an extraordinary duty for American warships.