All Foreign Policy
Yemen chaos puts uncertainty into Obama terror fight 鈥� or does it?Yemen, home to Al Qaeda鈥檚 most potent and threatening branch, has for years worked closely with the US on counterterrorism efforts. But on Thursday, the country鈥檚 president, prime minister, and cabinet resigned.
Five global front lines that could define Obama's final two yearsFrom the battle with the Islamic State to Iran's nuclear program, President Obama's clear signal from the State of the Union address is that cooperation with partners will continue to trump a rush to confrontation.
Alan Gross at State of the Union: Thumb in Cuba's eye or outstretched hand?President Obama is using his State of the Union speech to hail the return of captive Alan Gross from Cuba. Cuba has done the same for its Cuban Five. Both could be symbols of a new path forward for the two nations.
Obama warns Congress against new sanctions on IranIn a joint press conference with the president Friday, British Prime Minister David Cameron confirmed he has taken the unusual step of contacting several US senators since arriving in Washington to underscore the threat he believes new sanctions now would pose.
US-Cuba relations: why Republicans are divided on new rulesThe new US regulations on travel and trade, which take effect Friday, were both condemned and praised by Senate Republicans, suggesting a lack of unanimity that will likely make for relatively smooth sailing for President Obama鈥檚 new tack on Cuba.
Was Charlie Hebdo attack about revenge 鈥� or recruiting European jihadis?Al Qaeda鈥檚 branch in Yemen may have had multiple goals in mind in targeting the weekly magazine in Paris, but almost certainly among them was a desire to draw French Muslims to the jihadist cause, some experts in radical Islam say.
As John Kerry visits Pakistan, hopes rise for counterterrorism cooperationThe visit by John Kerry coincided with the reopening of the school in Peshawar that was devastated by a Taliban attack Dec. 16. That attack has galvanized Pakistan like no other before it.
Optics politics: Why Obama skipped the Paris rally with other world leadersPresident Obama was slammed in social and traditional media outlets for not joining more than 40 heads of state at a rally Sunday in Paris. A lesson in political optics?聽
Paris attacks: US will host summit to counter international terrorismAs more than 40 world leaders led a mass unity rally in Paris Sunday following last week鈥檚 terrorist attacks, the White House announced that it would host a 鈥楽ummit on Countering Violent Extremism鈥� to be held next month.
United Nations: Brutal winter deepens crisis for Syria's refugeesInternational agencies are being overwhelmed by a global spike in need for aid driven by the Syrian crisis, amid cuts in food rations due to unkept donor promises.
US no longer the power broker it was on path to Palestinian statehoodThe Israeli-Palestinian conflict may have outlived the era of the US acting as the sole power able to make things happen. Instead, Palestinian leaders are pushing for international recognition of statehood.
Mexico's president talks economics with Obama, but lawlessness still pressesMexican President Enrique Pe帽a Nieto met with President Obama at the White House Tuesday in a visit that has been overshadowed by the issues of violence and lack of the rule of law across much of America鈥檚 southern neighbor.
Saudi border fight with militants: How much of a threat?Early Monday morning a group of militants clashed with Saudi border guards near the Saudi city of Arar, across the border from Iraq鈥檚 Islamic State-controlled Anbar Province.
Kim Jong-un's sister marries: Does North Korea have a new power couple?The sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un reportedly has married the son of one of the country鈥檚 most powerful officials, suggesting the two may serve as a key couple in shaping the future of the secretive nation.
Ukraine pokes Russia, makes move toward NATO. Was it really necessary?Just as tensions with Russia were easing, the Ukraine parliament took a step toward applying for NATO membership. But the move was largely symbolic, since Ukraine won't be joining NATO anytime soon.
How to punish North Korea? 'The Interview' inspires far-fetched ideas.The Obama administration claims North Korea is behind the hack of Sony pictures that led to 'The Interview' being canceled. But options for a 'proportional' response are either limited or as zany as the film itself.
Obama blames North Korea for Sony hack: 'We will respond'Even North Korea experts who say they still need to see proof of Pyongyang鈥檚 involvement are categorical: Whoever carried out the attack, the response must be so swift and punitive as to nip in the bud what many are calling a new type of warfare that threatens the global flow of ideas.
US-Cuba thaw: Is Obama extending economic 'lifeline' to communist regime?President Obama's decision to open relations with Cuba has sparked swift and vocal opposition from critics who say it will only aid the Castro regime.聽Supporters say the move promises to nudge the Cuban regime to expand political and economic freedom.
Should Americans start planning trips to Cuba?Wednesday's US-Cuba policy shift means that Americans conducting several different types of activities can travel to Cuba with a general license.
Obama's Cuba plan could change how Latin America views USAmerica's Cuba policy has long been a major impediment to progress in US relations with Latin America. That is one reason President Obama made a change.
