All Foreign Policy
Can US contain flap over dissident, before Hillary Clinton gets to China?Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and a high-level entourage are set to arrive in Beijing Thursday for economic and security talks with China. The US custody of Chinese dissident Chen Guangchen jeopardizes that meeting, but some analysts say it's likely to proceed regardless.
A Rodney King moment, as US tries to restart talks with the Afghan TalibanMarc Grossman, US special envoy for Afghanistan and Pakistan, met with senior Afghan and Pakistani officials this week. 'The shared goal is to open the door for Afghans to sit down with other Afghans to talk about the future of their country,' Mr. Grossman said.
As Syria cease-fire falters, Kofi Annan urges faster arrival of UN monitorsKofi Annan, the former UN chief who negotiated the cease-fire, spoke to the Security Council Tuesday. He appears alarmed by claims that Syrian forces massacred 30 civilians in the city of Hama Monday.
In 1978 Egypt, Jimmy Carter had cachet. In 'new' Egypt, not so much.Jimmy Carter brokered the Camp David Accords that normalized Egyptian-Israeli relations. This week Egypt's military rulers dissed the ex-president, refusing to allow his Carter Center to observe the presidential election next month.
Will Obama's new atrocities board lead to more Libya-style operations?President Obama Monday announced the creation of the Atrocities Prevention Board 鈥� an advisory panel dealing with potential genocides. The board is seen as a victory for the White House's 'interventionist' wing.
Egypt鈥檚 shaky finances: Can the IMF and government agree on a loan deal?The IMF wants assurances that the political leaders who emerge to run Egypt after elections next month will be on board with the financial requirements underpinning a proposed $3.2 billion loan.
Economic weather report by IMF's Christine Lagarde: 'umbrella' still neededThis weekend, Christine Lagarde oversees her first spring meetings of the IMF since taking its helm in July. On Thursday, she gave a mixed report on the global economy, citing 'dark clouds on the horizon.'
West moves toward backing more monitors for SyriaBut the countries that met in Paris Thursday night are also preparing the ground for more coercive measures 鈥� including possible NATO involvement 鈥� if the violence in Syria does not stop.
Afghanistan attacks: Were signs of improved US-Pakistan ties just a mirage?Despite optimism relations were rebounding, the attacks bore the signature of a Pakistan-based group, a reminder, as the US plans to exit Afghanistan, that Pakistan is at best a fickle partner.
Amid threats to cease-fire, 'Friends of Syria' seek new ways to press AssadAt a meeting in Paris, the 'Friends of Syria' countries supporting the opposition are looking at further cuts in Syria's oil exports. But Russia says the group is undermining the cease-fire.
Iran nuclear talks: why, this time, both sides are staying positiveIran hopes that success in nuclear talks will ease the bite of sanctions, while President Obama aims to show that his policy of tougher sanctions and diplomacy will produce results.- Obama calls North Korean rocket launch 'provocative'Despite the failure of the launch, the White House views the attempt as a threat to security.
North Korea as 'Oz': Pay no attention to the nation behind the curtainIn the run-up to its 'rocket' launch, North Korea put on a show for the global media. But amid the fanfare it's clear that isolation serves Pyongyang better than close world scrutiny. 'We don't really care about opinion from the outside,' said one official, bluntly.
Why North Korea seems willing to ignore US warnings on missile testThe US, which has already withdrawn a promise of food aid, warns North Korea a missile test would be 'provocative.' But analysts see an attempt to bolster the country's young leader. 聽
Iran nuclear talks: Is compromise offer from Tehran good news?Ahead of scheduled weekend talks in Istanbul on its nuclear program, Iran rejects some demands but signals it could halt uranium enrichment after stockpiling enough for research.
Why Iran got huffy about a certain locale for next nuclear talksThe exact words were, 'Iranian officials are not interested in Turkey as the host.' The declaration masks聽a mountain of Persian hurt over the Turks and their shifting diplomacy in the region.
What do Iran sanctions cost you? About 25 cents a gallon, experts say.While consumers may support sanctions on Iran to dissuade it from pursuing a nuclear weapon, a foreign trade advocate says, they should also be told how sanctions impact Americans.
Only faint hope for UN 'last chance' plan to avert civil war in SyriaThe UN Security Council has approved a statement urging Syria to halt all violence by next Tuesday or 'further steps' will be taken. But what those further steps are is not clear.
Attacking Iran: Did US just torpedo Israeli deal for a base in Azerbaijan?Israel is developing a 'secret staging ground' in Azerbaijan for a possible attack on Iran, reports Foreign Policy magazine. US officials aren't happy with that, and may have leaked the story.
Interview: Amb. Ryan Crocker warns against war fatigue in AfghanistanRyan Crocker, US ambassador to Afghanistan, sees progress amid an extended 'rough' patch in relations. He also cautions against quitting Afghanistan too soon, citing Al Qaeda. 'If we decide we're tired, ... they'll be back.'
