The links between security and globalization were highlighted by the 2001 terrorist attacks on New York City and Washington, DC, and the subsequent long wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. Lingering poverty, inequality, religious extremism and war can sow discontent and resentment as unprecedented global mobility lends access to education and travel in other countries. Despite use of drones, cyber-warfare and other advanced weapons technology to mount counterterrorist attacks, the marginalized can strike out at vulnerable urban or economic centers. Annual global defense spending exceeds $1.6 trillion. Containing the trade in weapons, whether nuclear bombs or assault rifles, and preventing them from falling into the wrong hands remain a challenge.

U.S. Is Reported to Kill Al Qaeda Leader in Yemen

Americans killed a senior Al Qaeda leader on Sunday in what seems to be a new aggressive phase of anti-terrorist attacks.
James Risen
November 5, 2002

New PA Government Creates a Real Problem for Israel

The new government compromises – refusing to recognize neighbor Israel, but pledging to respect previous Palestinian-Israeli agreements
Avi Issacharoff
February 16, 2007

Yemen Protests Seizure of North Korean Ship; Says Scuds Were Bound for Its Army

Ship containing Scud missiles from North Korea causes controversy.
Thom Shanker
December 11, 2002

Flexing Muscle, China Destroys Satellite in Test

Test could foreshadow a space race or prod the US into entering a space-weapons ban
William J. Broad
January 22, 2007

With Iran Ascendant, US Is Seen at Fault

Arab nations worry about Iran’s growing influence in the Middle East and the spread of sectarian conflict
Anthony Shadid
January 31, 2007