In Washington, Japan’s Abe Reaffirms American Alliance
The partnership with the United States remains the cornerstone of Japanese foreign policy.
Asia
Future Afghan Troop Presence Divides Military, White House
The White House and the Pentagon once again find themselves in disagreement over the war.
North Korea Nuclear Explosion Tests China’s Patience
China expresses its dissatisfaction, but drags its heels on concrete action.
Would Korean Reunification Cripple the South?
Integrating the North’s economy would be difficult but the South also stands to gain.
Border Incident Sparks India-Pakistan War of Words
After a shooting in Kashmir, South Asia’s two rivals engage in another verbal spat.
Syria Arming Civilians Sympathetic to Regime
With Iran’s help, Syria’s Assad regime is building up a loyalist citizen militia.
Syria Says Israel Attacked Damascus “Research Site”
The airstrike’s target may actually have been a convoy carrying missiles.
Iraq Rushes to Contain Violence After Shooting
Iraq tries to prevent escalation after Sunni protesters are killed by government forces.
NATO Confident Afghan Army Ready to Take Over
Despite improvements in the force, the Afghan army will likely need help after 2014.
Israel’s Netanyahu Loses Seats, Maintains Plurality
Exit polls put Israel’s prime minister on track to win reelection, if with a smaller majority.
Israel’s Nationalists Could Be Kingmakers After Election
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu can hardly govern without the Jewish Home party.
Iranian Foreign Policy as Realist Security Dilemma
Traditional security concerns, not religious zeal, guide Iran’s policy in the Middle East.
As American Energy Imports Shrink, Will China Take Over?
America could be energy independent in two decades while China still has to import.
India-Pakistan Engagement Set Back by Border Dispute
All the progress that was made in 2012 could unravel again over an old border dispute.
Obama, Karzai Agree to Accelerate Troop Drawdown
President Barack Obama is eager to limit American involvement in an unpopular war.