Despite Lacking Substance, Obama’s Israel Visit Impressed
The president’s Middle East trip was far from groundbreaking but still a successful one.
Asia
Ten Years After Invasion, Iraq Presses On
After a decade of war, the Arab state’s politics and security situation remain precarious.
Jordan’s King Fears “Jihadist State” in Syria
The monarch warns Syria could become “a base for extremist and terrorist groups.”
Alleged Chemical Weapons Use in Syria Crosses “Red Line”
Syria’s government and rebels accuse each other of deploying a chemical weapons agent.
China’s New Premier Promises to Reduce State’s Role
Li Keqiang echoes his predecessor’s words in urging economic and political reform.
Abe Challenges Domestic Interests, Enters Trade Talks
The Japanese premier is driven into a Pacific trade partnership by the need to thwart China.
Netanyahu Excludes Religious Parties from Ruling Coalition
Centrists are expected to replace right-wing religious parties in Israel’s government.
Defense Chief’s Afghanistan Visit Marred in Controversy
Chuck Hagel’s Afghanistan visit is disturbed by a suicide attack and harsh words out of Kabul.
North Korea Cancels Peace Pacts, Threatens Nuclear Strike
How realistic is the communist regime’s threat of a nuclear attack on the United States?
Wen Signals Status Quo in Final Congress Speech
China’s outgoing premier hints at no structural economic reforms in his parting speech.
Iranian Foreign Minister Signals Support for Assad
The regime in Tehran stands by their man, Syria’s president Bashar al-Assad.
Graft Threatens Communist Party Rule: Xi
If China is to fight corruption, it must reduce the state’s role in the economy.
Iraq’s Maliki Warns Assad’s Fall Could Destabilize Region
Regime change in Syria could threaten the Iraqi leader’s own political survival.
Iraq Says Turkey to Cancel Kurdistan Pipeline
Turkey appears to have changed position in its oil export dispute with Baghdad.
As Civil War Drags On, Syrians Less Likely to Talk
Neither side in Syria’s civil war is interested in sitting down for peace talks.