Topic: William Burns

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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. With an eye to lessons from regime change in Iraq, some lawmakers are urging steps now to help shape that transition.
WikiLeaks: The five strangest stories...so far

The release of US diplomatic cables by WikiLeaks contains some serious stuff. 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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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. With an eye to lessons from regime change in Iraq, some lawmakers are urging steps now to help shape that transition.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
WikiLeaks: The five strangest stories...so far

The release of US diplomatic cables by WikiLeaks contains some serious stuff. 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Global News Blog
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Iran's waiting game for Obama

First, the US must deal with Europe to begin talks. But how impatient is it for quick results?
Obama's new approach on Iran

It's hardly heresy for the US to talk to its enemies.
American Lightning

A riveting look at the 1910 bombing of the offices of the anti-union, anti-socialist L.A. Times.
America's tough decision on Iran's dissidents

The People's Mujahideen of Iran is caught between Iraq and a hard place (Iran).
Iran, U.S. step cautiously toward dialogue

Signals from both Tehran and Washington are often misinterpreted and the subject of attack on the domestic stages in both countries.
Terrorism & Security
U.S. shifts tack on Iran with decision to send envoy to nuclear talks

The US also hopes to establish a diplomatic presence in Tehran for the first time in 30 years, according to the Guardian newspaper.