Last of Declared Chemical Weapons Removed from Syria
An international effort to dismantle Syria’s chemical weapons arsenal draws to a close, but Assad could still have poison gasses.
Asia
Sunni Insurgents Consolidate Gains in Iraq as Army Flees Border
Radical Islamists consolidate their gains in the north of Iraq while the army abandons its border posts.
Iraq’s Maliki Boycotts Sunni Party, Lashes Out at Saudi Arabia
Rather than seeking rapprochement with Sunnis, Iraq’s Shia prime minister is relying heavier on his own sect.
Chinese Aggression Could Be Informed by Domestic Policy
Aggression in the East and South China Seas need not be part of a plan to push the Americans out.
Mosul Kidnappings Underline Failure of Erdoğan’s Middle East Policy
The Turkish prime minister tries to shift blame to the opposition, but it is his own foreign policy that has failed.
Iraq’s Kurds Take Kirkuk as Government Battles Islamists
Taking advantage of an Islamist offensive in the west, the Kurds inch closer to independence.
Islamists’ Mosul Offensive Carries Regional Implications
Sunni militants’ conquest of Mosul puts them in a strategically better position vis-à-vis Iraq and Syria.
Putin at Ease in Asia’s Power Politics
The West’s desire to isolate Russia does not seem to resonate in Asia, where interests trump liberal ideals.
Islamist Militants Take Mosul, Discrediting Iraq’s Government
Militants capture police stations and military checkpoints as Iraqi troops flee their positions.
Thai Coup Leader: Return to Democracy Will Take Year
General Prayuth Chan-ocha says new elections can only be called after a period of reconciliation and reform.
Thai Army Stages Coup After Months of Political Unrest
The military says it has to step in to restore order and push through necessary political reforms.
India’s Modi Wins Decisive Mandate for Economic Reform
India’s conservative opposition wins an historic election victory under Narendra Modi’s leadership.
India’s Modi to Unseat Congress, Exit Polls Show
Exit polls put India’s conservative leader, Narendra Modi, far ahead of the ruling Congress party.
Why Turkey Still Considers Chinese Missile Defenses
Turkey might be trying to pressure its Western allies into making concessions. That is not without risks.
India, Russia Ally Against Pakistan by Providing Arms to Afghanistan
India pays Russia to deliver weapons to Afghanistan, setting the stage for a proxy war with Pakistan.