All Security Watch
Could Sochi give an Olympian boost to EU-Ukraine diplomacy?With Vladimir Putin focused on the Games in Sochi, some experts say that will keep Russian eyes off of Ukraine 鈥� opening the door for the EU to cut a deal with Yanukovych.
Taiwan is holding historic talks with China. Why are the Taiwanese indifferent?Taiwan's president Ma Ying-jeou sees direct talks with China as his legacy after a string of agreements on trade and investment, but Taiwanese are skeptical.
On revolution's anniversary, Iranians ask: Is this what we were promised?Iranians celebrated the anniversary of the Islamic revolution with rallies in downtown Tehran, but 35 years after overthrowing the shah, the merits of the revolution are still up for debate.
Rare dialog between divided Koreas set for WednesdayNuclear negotiations are unlikely to be on the table as North Korea blows hot and cold over US-South Korea war games due later this month.
To protect Shiites, Hezbollah imposes its own checkpoints in LebanonA spate of suicide bombings against Shiite areas of Lebanon 鈥� retaliation for Hezbollah's battlefield assistance to the Syrian regime 鈥� has prompted demands for greater protection.
Syria peace talks resume as fraught humanitarian cease-fire ends in HomsThe agreement to establish cease-fires to allow aid delivery was the sole accomplishment of the last round of Syria peace talks, but the first mission in Homs was marred by violence.聽
Among Iran's 'True Believers,' an enduring faith in martyrdomIranian hardliners see their devotion to martyrdom as the reason Iran has outlasted decades of pressure and covert war. But the ideology's resonance is waning among many Iranians.聽
Pakistan's Musharraf skips another hearing in controversial treason courtThe former president who faces charges over a 2007 declaration of emergency rule has sought medical treatment abroad, raising doubts over the trial.
As world watches Sochi, Russia watches the watchersReports suggest neither guests' laptops nor their bathrooms are safe from the eyes of Russian security.
Thai politician turned protest leader follows own script in political dramaSuthep Thaugsuban, a veteran dealmaker, is trying to topple Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra in the aftermath of an incomplete Feb. 2 election.聽
Just how much spying are the Russians doing?The US blamed Russia for a leak of a phone call involving a US assistant secretary of state, while a top Kremlin official said Russia had video of Sochi reporters' hotel bathrooms.
The other security concern at Sochi Olympics: cyberthreatsA phalanx of cybertraps, Internet-based attacks, and surveillance awaits visitors to the Sochi Olympics. Some digital dangers extend even to virtual visitors elsewhere just trying to keep up with the action.
Turkey passes strict Internet law as PM Erdogan battles corruption leaksThe law allows the government to block websites and demand user data from service providers. With mainstream media tightly controlled, Turks increasingly depend on the Internet for news.
Amid US-Russia tussle over Ukraine, a leaked tape of Victoria NulandWhile the authenticity of a YouTube recording of Assistant Secretary of State Victoria Nuland on a call to the US ambassador isn't confirmed, it sure sounds convincing.
Sochi toothpaste alert: Russia receives US warnings with hint of annoyanceDHS has warned that terrorists might try to hide explosives inside toothpaste tubes aboard airliners headed for Russia. Last month, however, Russia banned all liquids and gels, including toothpaste, from carry-on luggage entering Russian airports.
US-South Korea joint military exercises 鈥� three things you need to knowNorth Korea has objected to military drills being held near its territory. South Korean and US forces insist that the drills are defensive, but tensions are rising.聽
Pakistan-Taliban peace talks: A stall tactic?Pakistan's government has sent conflicting messages about its strategy 鈥� from military action to peace talks 鈥撀爁or dealing with the Pakistani Taliban.聽
Behind Syria's calculations on missing chemical weapons deadlineSyria claims safety concerns, but critics of the chemical weapons deal say President Assad is feeling empowered 鈥� and may be stockpiling weapons in a regime stronghold.
Eying Taliban, Pakistan military moves into strategic Swat ValleyThe Pakistan military is constructing a base in the Swat Valley to ward off threats from the Pakistan Taliban and spillover conflict from Afghanistan.
Koreas agree to first family reunions in four years. Sign of detente?Previous efforts to bring together divided聽families have collapsed amid angry recriminations by the North. US-South Korea military exercises may provide a pretext for another pullout.
