Obama Rejects Increasing Support for Syria’s Rebels
The president disagrees with his own advisors on supporting the Syrian opposition.
Military
Taiwan’s Defense Review Consciously Vague
It would be unwise for the island to communicate its military plans to China.
France Won’t Pull Troops Out of Mali Before Year’s End
President François Hollande says hundreds of troops will remain in France’s former colony.
Alleged Chemical Weapons Use in Syria Crosses “Red Line”
Syria’s government and rebels accuse each other of deploying a chemical weapons agent.
Independent Scottish Defense Would Amount to Little
Philip Hammond’s assessment of an independent Scottish defense force is accurate.
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.
Defense Chief: France to Leave Mali Once Security Restored
France won’t withdraw from Mali until “the liberation of the whole country is complete.”
Britain to Send Armored Vehicles to Syria’s Rebels
The United Kingdom will deliver “technical assistance” to opposition forces in Syria.
France Stays Longer in Mali, Tuareg Join Fight
France continues to battle Islamists in Mali with the support of Tuareg secessionists.
Chadian Soldiers Killed in North Mali Battle
Driven out of the cities and towns, Mali’s Islamists keep up the fight in the desert north.
European Foreign Ministers Reject Arming Syrian Rebels
The European Union maintains its embargo on Syria, preventing weapons support.
Britain Seals French Military Axis in West Africa
After Libya, Mali is the latest testing ground for the Anglo-French security relationship.
France to Stay in Mali Until “Sovereignty Restored”
President François Hollande recognizes that the fight in Mali isn’t over yet.
Syria Says Israel Attacked Damascus “Research Site”
The airstrike’s target may actually have been a convoy carrying missiles.
French Move into Malian Rebel Stronghold, Leaving “Quickly”
After conquering the last city that was under rebel control, France prepares to withdraw.