All Foreign Policy
Obama cancels joint Egypt maneuvers, leaving military aid untouched for nowObama issued only veiled threats to halt the military aid to Egypt, demonstrating his reluctance to use what some experts say is Washington's last means to influence a key Mideast ally.
Egypt violence: US hardens its tone, but is criticized as too softSecretary of State John Kerry condemned the crackdown by Egypt's military but announced no sanctions, leaving critics to suggest US policy toward a key Mideast partner is ineffectual.
Middle East talks: To turn things around, Kerry trying an about-faceJohn Kerry appears to have studied the latest launch of Middle East talks in 2010 and resolved to do the opposite with the round beginning Wednesday, including, for example, the stance on Israeli settlements.
Amid confusion over Yemen plot, US drones pound Al QaedaYemen appeared to back away from claims it had foiled a grandiose plot, and some terror experts wondered if the US, which launched three more drone strikes, had been duped by Al Qaeda into closing its embassies.聽
Obama cancels visit to Putin: It's about much more than Edward SnowdenObama cancels visit to Moscow for a September summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Edward Snowden's asylum was a major reason, but it's only one of many.
Yemen drone strike and US evacuation: Signs of drone war intensification?Yemen drone strike: The State Department called on all Americans to leave Yemen immediately, even as a US drone strike in Yemen Tuesday killed four Al Qaeda militants. It was the fourth US drone strike in two weeks.
Al Qaeda threat? US embassy closings signal it has changed, not disappeared.Despite US successes against Al Qaeda's 'center' in Pakistan, the terror organization's affiliates have found fertile territory for growth elsewhere in the Middle East, experts caution.
Al Qaeda embassy threats: Sign of shrinking ambition?Al Qaeda is growing, according to some measures, but as it evolves its focus is less on the American homeland than on striking interests abroad, like embassies, according to one study.
US closes embassies, issues global travel alert over Al Qaeda threatThe State Department ordered a precautionary closing on Sunday of 21 US embassies and consulates, mainly in the Middle East, without citing a specific threat. But its global travel alert says Al Qaeda may attack 'between now and the end of August.'
Snowden asylum sends US-Russia relations tumbling to post-cold war lowEdward Snowden has been granted refugee status in Russia for one year. Angry members of Congress are calling on President Obama to cancel a planned visit to Russia in September.
What role for US in new Israel-Palestinian peace talks?The new Israel-Palestinian peace talks are just that, US officials insist 鈥� bilateral talks between the two parties. But the US will have an important role in prodding both sides toward compromise.
As Iran installs new leader, House could pass more sanctions. Right signal?Hassan Rohani, a moderate cleric, is set to take office as Iran鈥檚 president on Sunday. Some say new sanctions send the right message about Iran鈥檚 nuclear program, while others say they could stifle any improvement in relations.
Why some are optimistic about Israeli-Palestinian peace talksThe widespread turmoil in the Middle East and the desire of leaders on both sides to leave their mark on history could tip the scales in favor of reaching an Israeli-Palestinian agreement.
Kerry bearing good news for Syrian opposition in bid to affirm US engagementSyrian opposition leaders and rebels have criticized what they see as US disengagement from a conflict that has claimed more than 100,000 lives. Kerry's news on promised US arms may do little to change that view.
Edward Snowden still stuck in airport. Would life in Russia be better?Edward Snowden is expected to get papers Thursday to let him leave the Moscow airport. He might consider staying in Russia. That didn't work out so well for Soviet-era American defectors.
Appeals court: Congress overstepped with its 'Jerusalem, Israel' designationThe ruling, in the case of parents who wanted their son's US passport to read 'Jerusalem, Israel' as his place of birth, said Congress intruded on the exclusive power of the executive branch in passing a 2002 law.
Middle East peace talks: Finding believers amid the skepticsThe chances of a full Israeli-Palestinian peace deal emerging from the talks being pushed by John Kerry are slim, Middle East experts say, yet even some skeptics believe there could be benefits.
John Kerry: 'Basis' reached for renewed Mideast talks; initial round in D.C.On his sixth trip to Mideast in six months, John Kerry hailed 'significant ... step forward,' but said the Israeli and Palestinian agreement on the renewed peace talks were still 'being formalized.'聽
John Kerry nudges Middle East peace process: Could he be getting somewhere?Secretary of State John Kerry, in his sixth trip to the Middle East this year, is meeting with Arab League leaders who are behind a renewed version of a 2002 Arab peace initiative with Israel.
Egypt upheaval: What does US hope to accomplish in dispatching a diplomat?Deputy Secretary of State William Burns is holding talks with Egypt鈥檚 military-backed interim government and is also meeting with Egyptian business leaders during a two-day visit.