America Intervenes in Iraqi Civil War, Reluctantly
President Barack Obama orders airstrikes but is reluctant to get deeply involved in Iraq’s sectarian conflicts.
Asia
Supported by Iraqi Air Force, Kurds Battle Islamists
In a remarkable turnaround, Iraq’s Nouri al-Maliki supports a Kurdish offensive against radical Islamists insurgents.
Protective Edge: A Change in Israel’s Security Doctrine?
The principle of taking the offensive still has merit for Israel.
Israel Was Right to Reject American Ceasefire Proposal
Secretary of State John Kerry seemed to have only taken into account the concerns of Hamas.
Israel Launches Gaza Ground Offensive Against Militants
Israel sends infantry and tanks into the Gaza Strip.
Amid Gaza Strikes, Netanyahu Rules Out West Bank Withdrawals
The Israeli leader says he is not prepared “to create another twenty Gazas” on the West Bank.
Israel Changes Strategy Against Gaza Militants
The operation marks a shift to lower Israel’s political costs. Has it played into Hamas’ hand?
Iraq’s Kurds, Accused of Backing Insurgents, Demand Maliki Resign
The leader of Iraq’s Kurds calls the premier “hysterical” for accusing them of harboring radical Islamists.
Israel Retaliates After Gaza Strikes, Escalation Unlikely
Israel’s latest air war in Gaza will probably end like the last two did: in a tenuous ceasefire.
Preliminary Afghan Voting Results Suggest Widespread Fraud
According to preliminary election results, far more Afghans voted in the second round than did in the first.
Iran Says Pilot Died in Iraq, Confirming Military Presence
Iran seems to confirm it deployed jet aircraft to support the Iraqi government in announcing the death of a military pilot.
Xi Seen Distancing China from North Korea
The Chinese president seem to regard relations with his communist neighbor dispassionately.
Iraq’s Parliament Convenes as Country Falls Apart
Lawmakers gather in Baghdad while Sunni militants declare a caliphate and the Kurds edge closer to independence.
Iraq’s Sunnis Likely to Fall Out Once ISIS Campaign Runs Its Course
Many of the Sunnis who back the offensive against Iraq’s government don’t share the Islamists’ vision.
Japan’s Abe Shies Away from Structural Economic Reforms
The “third arrow” of the Japanese prime minster’s economic reform program underwhelms.