All Foreign Policy
House moves to tighten N. Korea sanctions. Will that strengthen US policy?With North Korea moving toward another nuclear test, enforcement of international sanctions is flagging, experts say. Critics of US policy say the Obama administration is reluctant to use the tools at its disposal.
Syria's Assad, an American hero? One Virginia politician thinks so.In a two-page letter, a Virginia state senator praised Syrian President Bashar al-Assad for, among other things, taking on America鈥檚 鈥榓rch-enemy鈥� Al Qaeda. Mr. Assad posted the letter on his Facebook page.
Obama at West Point: US must lead by 'empowering partners'In contrast with President Bush's 'preventive war' speech at West Point, President Obama told graduates that he aims to address explosive international situations 'without us firing a shot.'
Ukraine鈥檚 'chocolate king' signals strong ties to West, yet can't quit RussiaUkraine鈥檚 president-elect, candymaker Petro Poroshenko, recognizes that Russia will inevitably play a crucial role in his country鈥檚 future. But he鈥檚 also for building more ties with both the EU and US.
US hope for Ukraine elections: a government Russia can't just dismissUkraine wants a large turnout Sunday, especially in the restive east, to give the new government legitimacy. So do the US and Europe. But Russia is already puncturing holes in the election process.
UN lists Boko Haram as terrorist group; US troops in regionThe move requires all United Nations member states to take actions against Boko Haram, which has kidnapped 270 Nigerian schoolgirls. Meanwhile, 80 US troops have been sent to Chad to help.
In Mexico, Kerry to ask help bringing Venezuela back from the brinkWith renewed violence in Caracas and with US lawmakers poised to approve sanctions against Venezuelan officials, Secretary of State Kerry likely will be seeking Mexican support for a broader diplomatic initiative.
Benghazi looms as concerns about safety of Libya embassy mountFighting in Libya is raising concerns about the safety of personnel at the US embassy in Tripoli as the Obama administration seeks to avoid a repeat of the Benghazi tragedy.聽
Putin orders pullback of troops from Ukraine border, Pentagon skepticalA Russian pullback signals lower tensions in the region, boosts prospects for Sunday's Ukraine elections, and dims threat of tougher US/EU sanctions. But the US has yet to see actual movement of Russian troops.
Obama's new India problem: What to do with Narendra Modi?Narendra Modi will be the next prime minister of India, but until Friday, he was banned from traveling to the US because of allegations related to a 2002 riot. It's a new complication for already-rocky US-India relations.聽
Can Modi's victory bring better US-India ties? It depends on US, say analysts.Modi's landslide victory creates an opportunity to 'reset' US-India ties, which have languished, say analysts. On Friday, Obama called Modi to say he looks forward to working closely with him.
Why US says optimism on Iran nuclear talks is 'way out of control'The Iran nuclear talks starting Wednesday involve a long list of very complex issues and varying perspectives. So despite some promising signs, officials are wary of building up expectations.
Abducted schoolgirls: Is Nigeria ready to negotiate with Boko Haram?Nigeria sent mixed messages regarding Boko Haram's proposal to exchange the schoolgirls for imprisoned terrorists. But if it does negotiate, that would follow a pattern set by many countries.
Why Hillary Clinton鈥檚 State Dept. didn鈥檛 list Boko Haram as a terrorist groupWas Hillary Clinton 'soft on Boko Haram?' The US now lists it as a terrorist group, but the Clinton State Dept. listed only individuals. Experts, and Nigeria, had opposed the designation at the time.
Putin may have scored another win in Ukraine, but is he in over his head?Russian President Vladimir Putin's calls for moderation may have put off the prospect of tougher European Union sanctions, but if he gets bogged down in Ukraine, he could face problems.
Can 20 US women senators help save 276 kidnapped Nigerian girls?Twenty female US senators urge the United Nations to add Nigeria鈥檚 Boko Haram to its Al Qaeda sanctions list in a bid to help dry up the group's international support and sources of income.
US elevates 'status' of Syrian opposition. Is it everything it wanted?The State Department granted 'foreign mission' status to the US offices of the moderate Syrian opposition, modest consolation for not providing the arms it wants for rebel fighters.聽
What role for US in efforts to rescue Nigeria's kidnapped girls?US pledges its help to try to save almost 300 girls kidnapped in Nigeria last month by the terrorist group Boko Haram. Military aid is not likely, but assistance with intelligence and crisis management could be.
US, Germany: Russia faces energy sector sanctions if it disrupts Ukraine voteAngela Merkel and Obama presented a united front on Ukraine at the White House as they lowered the bar for the Russian energy sector sanctions that Europeans have been hesitant to impose.
Merkel's White House test: suppress anger over NSA to show unity on UkraineThe uncomfortable issue of NSA spying on America鈥檚 allies is sure to come up when Germany's Angela Merkel and Obama meet Friday, but the crisis in Ukraine will dominate their agenda.
