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Syrian troops take back key Damascus suburb, Daraya
The day after rebel forces took a key air base in northwest Syria, the Syrian army announced their control of Daraya, a suburb of Damascus. Each side seems to be alternatively making advances and losing ground, with little progress overall in the Syrian conflict.
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Russia urges Damascus to talk with Syrian opposition
Russia, Syria's biggest international supporter, is leaning on President Bashar al-Assad to begin a dialogue with the Syrian opposition and take steps toward ending the conflict.
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Hillary Clinton recovering from fall, working from home
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has canceled work-related trips as well as a planned appearance before Congress to testify on the Benghazi attack. Clinton is working from home after she fainted last week.
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For newly recognized Syrian rebel coalition, a first dispute with US (+video)
In Morocco, the 'Friends of Syria' recognized the new rebel coalition. But the day was marred by reports of Scud fire by the Assad regime and by a dispute with the US over designating a group as terrorist.
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Hillary Clinton to meet Egypt’s new president: what is at stake
Hillary Clinton is delivering important US messages to Egypt's newly-elected president from the Muslim Brotherhood: on women, minorities, the peace treaty with Israel, and US support for democracy.
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What happens next in Libya? America's five greatest concerns.
The push toward a post-Qaddafi regime in Libya is raising questions in Washington about how far a US commitment extends to ensuring a peaceful transition to democracy. The rationale for US and NATO engagement in Libya was to avoid a massacre of civilians in March. Now, as the civil war moves toward a resolution, the Obama administration and Congress appear to be taking a wait-and-see approach. But with an eye to lessons from regime change in Iraq, some lawmakers are urging steps now to help shape the transition in Libya, including some moves that put them at odds with the Obama administration. Here are five.
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The aftermath of another clash at Egypt's Tahrir Square
Clashes between police and demonstrators broke out overnight and carried through today at Cairo's Tahrir Square.
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Why Iran nuclear talks ended in stalemate
Nuclear talks between Iran and six world powers ran aground on Iranian preconditions about enrichment and sanctions; no plans to meet again.
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Iran nuclear talks: What's on the table, what's at stake
Iran nuclear talks began in Istanbul today with topics that could include a revamped version of a nuclear fuel swap deal and ongoing sanctions.
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New Iran nuclear talks: What can West hope to accomplish?
A US official downplays any hope of a breakthrough in talks this week on the Iran nuclear program. Western negotiators are hoping for some gesture of good faith from Iran.
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Iran resumes nuclear talks, but decries nuclear scientist's assassination
Iranian media emphasized Iran's tough opening gambit in Geneva, where it condemned the West for its silence over an Iranian nuclear scientist's assassination last week.
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WikiLeaks: The five strangest stories...so far
The release of US diplomatic cables by WikiLeaks contains some serious stuff: US diplomats have been trying to steal the credit card numbers of top UN officials, Saudi Arabia is putting pressure on the US to attack Iran, Iran has obtained advanced long-range missiles from North Korea. Other cables are not so earth-shaking, but they nonetheless reveal personalities and events that are comical, surprising, or just plain weird. Here's our top five.
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Obama in India: Why his Security Council overtures ring hollow
President Obama endorsed India for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council as part of a push to modernize the body. But as Japan knows, the road to permanent membership is full of obstacles.
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Yemen attack underscores increasing Al Qaeda threat
The latest Yemen attack – on a vehicle carrying British embassy workers – shows how 'resilient and increasingly agile' Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) have become, says one expert.
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Russia-US spy swap in the works? Three famous swaps
Russia and the US reportedly are working out a deal to swap spies, according to the brother of a nuclear researcher convicted of spying in Russia. It's a tactic honed during the cold war.
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Hillary Clinton fails to convince Brazil to support Iran sanctions
Brazil's Foreign Minister Celso Amorim told Secretary of State Hillary Clinton that Brazil doesn't support Iran sanctions. He wants more negotiations. The US worries about the growing closeness of Iran and Brazil.
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India doubts strength of US ties ahead of Manmohan Singh visit
Many Indians felt that Obama gave too much deference to China during his recent Asia trip, setting off doubts about whether the US is on India's side. Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh arrives at the White House Tuesday.
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Nuclear talks: Iran agrees to meet US, world powers twice more in October
Iran appeared to understand there was new urgency on the nuclear issue, agreeing at the Geneva talks to open its second enrichment facility to inspectors.
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Iran promise to send nuclear fuel abroad: A major concession?
The real test, caution some, is whether Iran follows through on the tentative nuclear deal that would effectively prevent Tehran from developing a bomb.
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Obama says Iran must take 'concrete steps' on nuclear issues
The talks in Geneva were historic, but some experts say Iran gained prestige without having to concede much.
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Iran nuclear talks in Geneva: What is Tehran's strategy?
At a midday break, diplomats said the tone has been "civil" but a US official says Iran's delegation lacks the 'cohesion and confidence' to make a deal.
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US strategy at Iran nuclear talks: threaten sanctions
The US is prepared to expand and toughen existing sanctions if Iran does not reverse course on its nuclear program.
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US will join talks with Iran
But the Oct. 1 meeting may simply set the stage for the US to seek tougher sanctions against Tehran for its nuclear program.
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Kashmir: Rape and murder cases touch off anti-India anger
Residents suspect the involvement of widely resented security forces. But protests may not derail the relative peace of recent years.
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The Monitor's View: Iran's waiting game for Obama
First, the US must deal with Europe to begin talks. But how impatient is it for quick results?
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