Topic: The British Army

Leap Year: this day in the history of Feb. 29

We don’t mean to state the obvious, but Feb. 29 happens once every four years (usually) – and leap year is here again. That means a whole day's worth of news will tomorrow be added to this date's comparatively small archive. 

Jerusalem: The Biography

Chronicling the world's holiest city

Death comes again to Iraq's 'Mother of all Battles' mosque

The Baghdad mosque, where 28 people were killed in a suicide bombing Sunday, is tied to some of the biggest failures, and a few of the successes, of post-Saddam Iraq.

In Ireland, Queen Elizabeth writes new chapter with visit to Bloody Sunday site

Queen Elizabeth has visited Croke Park Stadium, scene of the Bloody Sunday massacre, and the Garden of Remembrance. Both sites honor republicans who fought the British for independence.

How will Ireland greet Queen Elizabeth's historic visit?

On Tuesday, Queen Elizabeth II will become the first British monarch to visit the Republic of Ireland. Ireland's prime minister characterized the trip as evidence of a 'growing up' of two peoples.

On Libya, Obama fails the 3 a.m. test. What would President Hillary Clinton have done?

Would President Hillary Clinton have waited weeks to come to the aid of Libya's freedom fighters?

Washington: A Life

America’s first president emerges from this marvelous biography an admirable, flawed, and very human figure.

France and Britain forge new path with defense treaty

France and Britain inked a defense treaty Tuesday that will allow sharing of nuclear secrets and the creation of a rapid-reaction force. President Sarkozy called the accord 'unprecedented.'

Prince Harry throws out first pitch at New York Mets game

Prince Harry fired an unrecognizable pitch (but a pitch) to begin the Mets - Twins game on Saturday.

Prince Harry visiting US Army cadets at West Point

Prince Harry will join cadets training at the U.S. Military Academy on Friday as he starts a three-day visit to New York.

Reconciliation in Northern Ireland

A Christian Science perspective.

Winston's War

This excellent biography turns a laser-like focus on five years in the life of Winston Churchill.

10 books to help you understand the UK election results

Ten winning books that offer insight – in different ways – into contemporary Britain.

Real IRA bombing meant to derail last step of N. Ireland peace

Just minutes after Britain transferred police and justice powers to Northern Ireland, completing the 1998 peace process, the Real IRA bombed Britain’s MI5 intelligence headquarters in Belfast.

UK Iraq war inquiry: Will Tony Blair come under fire?

A UK Iraq war inquiry began Tuesday, amid allegations that British soldiers abused detainees during the war. The panel is to focus on how and why Britain went to war.

Could IRA splinter groups bring back Northern Ireland's Troubles?

IRA splinter groups like the Continuity IRA have stepped up attacks in Northern Ireland. While they have a hard core and cause some mayhem, they are unlikely to spark a broader conflict.

Once an empire, Britain faces big military cuts

Afghanistan operations in the future could be affected.

US operation aims to smooth road for Afghan elections

Afghanistan hopes to gain control of more of its territory before August elections. The Taliban could disrupt voter turnout in areas it holds.

US offensive in Afghanistan targets Taliban stronghold

In Helmand Province, poppy cultivation funds insurgent activities. As the operation began, the US military announced a US soldier had been captured in another province.

Gurkha veterans wage tough new fight to settle in Britain

Some 35,000 members of the legendary brigade have been denied the right to retire in the country they served.

World

Northern Ireland refuses to cede peace

Protestants and Catholics unify in vigils to protest the violence.