Topic: UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office

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5 reasons US must avoid war with Iran

Do the drumbeaters calling for ‘war with Iran’ never learn from history? It is tempting to dismiss their hot air as an attempt to score political points, but its sheer volume is worrying. Two former US hostages in Iran, L. Bruce Laingen and John Limbert, say Obama must ignore the war talk, and offer five key points for Washington to keep in mind.
10 moments from the life of Queen Elizabeth II

From the new book 'Elizabeth the Queen,' 10 new insights into the modern monarch.
Iran attack on UK embassy: 5 high profile embassy breaches

The best-known example of what happens when hostility reaches a breaking point is the Iranian hostage crisis of 1979, but numerous embassies have been stormed since then.
In Pictures: Royal wedding memorabilia
In Pictures: Views of Mt. Everest

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Falklands War: Why the battle continues 30 years later (+video)

Some 30 years after the Falklands War, Prince William's deployment and the recent discovery of oil have increased attention on the battle between Argentina and the UK for control of the islands.
Italian president: UK action 'inexplicable' on Nigerian hostage rescue bid (+video)

Italian President Giorgio Napolitano called UK action 'inexplicable' in failing to inform his government before launching a botched rescue mission with Nigerian forces that led to the deaths of British and Italian hostages held by a militant Islamist group.
Quran burning protests rage on, injuring 7 more troops

The US ambassador to Afghanistan admits that 'tensions are running very high here' over the disposal of Qurans in a burn pit at a US military base.
Maggie vs. Gorby: the scene that ‘The Iron Lady’ forgot

The scripted and unscripted confrontations between Margaret Thatcher and Mikhail Gorbachev were of such epic consequence they could not be condensed into film. Yet we do Britain’s first female prime minister a great disservice in omitting them.
Latin America Monitor
Falklands: more international support for Argentina after 'militarization' claim? (+video)

Argentine president Cristina Fernández de Kirchner said she will take her complaint that Britain is militarizing the Falklands before the UN Security Council.
Prince William, oil, honor: Why Argentina is pushing to reclaim Falkland Islands

Prince William begins his six-week deployment in the Falkland Islands today. Argentines aren't ready to give up their claim to what they call the Malvinas just yet.
Change Agent
Dylan Harris sends adventurous travelers inside 'pariah' nations

North Korea and Iran are among the destinations for Lupine Travel, which offers a first-hand view of countries most of the world shuns.
Attack on foreign tourists widens rift between Ethiopia, Eritrea

Five European tourists, touring the spectacular volcanic moonscape of the Danakil Depression, were killed by unknown gunmen. Ethiopia blamed Eritrea, promises tough action.
5 reasons US must avoid war with Iran

Do the drumbeaters calling for ‘war with Iran’ never learn from history? It is tempting to dismiss their hot air as an attempt to score political points, but its sheer volume is worrying. Two former US hostages in Iran, L. Bruce Laingen and John Limbert, say Obama must ignore the war talk, and offer five key points for Washington to keep in mind.
The perfect storm: Three ways to thwart Iran's nuclear ambitions – short of war

Partly by design and partly by happenstance, a three-pronged US strategy for checking Iran's nuclear program and the regime in Tehran is emerging: an unprecedented combination of sanctions, covert action, and a Syria-inspired protest movement within Iran.
10 moments from the life of Queen Elizabeth II

From the new book 'Elizabeth the Queen,' 10 new insights into the modern monarch.
What's behind Europe's tough stance on Iran?

European powers have agreed in principle to embargo Iranian oil, the lifeblood of Iran's economy, adding to tough sanctions already in place.
Mali arrests kidnap suspects, Al Qaeda releases pictures of victims

While Al Qaeda is showing signs of waning in southern and western Asia, Al Qaeda-related groups continue to make their presence felt across the African Sahel region.
Why Iran lashes out at West

Is Iran pursuing a systematic strategy to provoke its enemies? It's not always that simple.
Syria now in a civil war with 4,000 dead: United Nations

Civil war has been the worst-case scenario in Syria since the revolt against Assad began eight months ago. Damascus has a web of allegiances that extends to Lebanon's powerful Hezbollah movement and Iran's Shiite theocracy, raising fears of a regional conflagration.
As EU tightens the screws, Iran looks toward China (VIDEO)

China and Russia could gain significant leverage over Iran as mounting EU sanctions cause it to begin looking for business elsewhere.
Terrorism & Security
Iran releases protesters detained in British embassy attack

Eleven protesters in the British embassy attack were released last night. Britain is rallying Europe to clamp down hard on Iran.
British embassy attack exposes tensions outside – and inside – Iran

Some Iranian conservatives praised yesterday's attack on the British embassy, while others condemned it as endangering national security as tensions rise with the West.
Global News Blog
Good Reads: Why British diplomats consider Tehran a 'hardship post'

Yesterday's rampage by Iranian 'students' are just the latest example of how Iranian domestic anger gets focused on diplomats.
Iranian protesters storm British embassy compounds in Tehran

Iranian student protesters crashed through gates at two British embassy compounds in Iran's capital city.
Euro stocks rise, thanks in part to American shoppers

Euro stocks climbed higher Tuesday after strong signs from US consumers and the Italian debt sales. But warnings over Italy could send euro, stocks tumbling soon.
Iran attack on UK embassy: 5 high profile embassy breaches

The best-known example of what happens when hostility reaches a breaking point is the Iranian hostage crisis of 1979, but numerous embassies have been stormed since then.
British embassy compounds in Iran attacked by protesters

Protesters in Tehran stormed a pair of British embassy compounds on Tuesday, causing damage by throwing stones and gasoline bombs.
Why Europe is pushing for sanctions on Syria – not intervention

Alistair Burt, a top British parliamentarian whose portfolio includes the Middle East and N. Africa, explains how Britain's response to the Arab Spring has been 'heavily influenced' by the Iraq war.
The Summer of the Bear

A grieving family and an escaped bear find unexpected connections on a Scottish island.