In The News

US Sail-By Rattles Beijing's Sovereignty Claims

Minnie Chan and Agencies October 28, 2015
The South China Sea includes some of the world’s busiest shipping lanes, and areas of the sea are under dispute. China, one of several claimants, has built up reefs once submerged under high tide, adding airstrips, ports and other infrastructure. A US Navy warship challenged China’s claims by sailing within 12 nautical miles of the disputed Mischief and Subi reefs in the Spratly archipelago....

Islamic Group Blocked From Building “Britain's Biggest Mosque” in London

Andrew Gilligan October 28, 2015
An Islamic group is reported to have lost its appeal for building a mega-mosque in a London neighborhood. The court decision could end a 16-year battle that included protests in support and opposition to the plans. “Tablighi Jamaat is an ultra-conservative and separatist group which believes that Muslims should not integrate into non-Muslim society. Its current UK headquarters, in Dewsbury, West...

Russian Ships Near Data Cables Are Too Close for US Comfort

David E. Sanger and Eric Schmitt October 26, 2015
Corporations and governments around the globe depend on the internet, and any break in the deep undersea fiber-optic cables that carry most of the world’s communications could disrupt the global economy. US, Norwegian and other militaries officials have are monitoring Russian submarines and ships operating near the cables. The vessels may be searching for vulnerabilities, suggests a report in the...

Climate Change Is a Threat to Global Security That Demands a Global Response

Neil Morisetti October 16, 2015
The NATO Parliamentary Assembly approved a resolution calling on member nations to lead at the UN climate negotiations in December and secure a deal on controlling fossil fuel emissions. NATO officials recognize that volatile weather, food and water shortages, and economic disruptions destabilize communities and exacerbate conflict. “NATO itself was also urged to improve strategic awareness of...

Refugee Camps Empty as Syrians Head for Europe

Elisa Oddone and Alisa Reznick October 9, 2015
The United Nations, international charities and neighboring nations like Jordan have organized camps for refugees streaming from the civil war in Syria since 2012. At one point Zaatari Camp was Jordan’s fourth largest population center. But the conflict has lasted too long. Syrians are impatient for jobs, education and stability. Elisa Oddone and Alisa Reznick, writing for Time, describe a...

Pakistan Keen to Keep Ties with Iran and Saudi Arabia

Debalina Ghoshal October 1, 2015
Diplomacy in Asia is complicated by religious conflict and sets of regional rivalries including Iran and Saudi Arabia, along with Pakistan and India. A deal on Iran’s nuclear program negotiated by the permanent members of the UN Security Council plus Germany, could test strategic relations in Asia and trigger a series of recalculations. In particular, strengthening Indian-Iranian ties could fray...

Obama, Putin Need Steady Nerves and Stout Hearts in Syria

M.K. Bhadrakumar September 30, 2015
Conflict, extremism and a refugee crisis in the Middle East, spurred by autocratic governance and glaring inequalities, challenge the international community. Leaders of the United States, Russia, Iran and Saudi Arabia are committed to removing the scourge of Islamic State terrorists, but do not agree on a role for the Assad regime: Russia and Iran support the dictator and functioning...