Pakistan Denies Seeking Taliban Return to Power
A NATO study obtained by British media said “Pakistan’s manipulation of the Taliban senior leadership continues unabatedly.”
Asia
Russia Warns Syria Resolution “Path to Civil War”
Nearly everyone has deserted Bashar Assad but Russia. Why is the Kremlin standing by his side?
Syrian Revolt Reaches Outskirts of Damascus
The Free Syrian Army makes gains, but Bashar Assad’s security forces are largely holding up.
Exxon Moves on Kurdistan Deal Despite Baghdad Threat
Wikistrat analyzes the impact of the American oil company’s Iraq operation.
India’s Licence Raj Refuses to Die
India cannot afford a Hindu rate of growth in the twenty-first century, but necessary reforms are not forthcoming.
Philippines, United States Explore Military Cooperation
The next step in thwarting China’s rise as a regional power prompts the United States to revisit an old alliance.
Yemen’s Saleh Granted Pass for Suspected Crimes
Whether Ali Abdullah Saleh’s departure will benefit Yemen is still an open question.
Turkey “Ready to Do Everything for Syrian People”
Turkey’s foreign minister said he supported the demands of the Syrian opposition but wouldn’t commit to an intervention.
Saudi Arabia Withdraws Monitors from Syria
The kingdom tries to put more pressure on Bashar al-Assad as part of its regional struggle with Iran.
Chinese Leader Warns Iran Not to Close Strait
Wen Jiabao offered unusually sharp criticism of Tehran but China is still unlikely to join in an oil embargo.
American, Israeli Military Chiefs Convey Unity
The two officers insist there is no daylight between their countries on how to handle Iran.
France Suspends Afghan Mission After Shooting
Nicolas Sarkozy warns that French troops may pull out of Afghanistan after four servicemen are killed.
Al Qaeda’s Yemeni Outfit Grabbing More Land
The terrorist network’s regional affiliate in Yemen is now only one hundred miles away from the capital.
Is the Real Counterinsurgency Yet to Come?
It remains to be seen if the United States has the stomach for a long war in Afghanistan.
Saudi Arabia Reminds Iran Who’s Boss
The Saudi oil minister declares that the kingdom will make up for a drop in Iranian oil production “almost immediately.”