Egypt’s Sisi Sees Regional Islamist Threat, Promises to Support Iraq
The former army chief is realigning Egypt’s foreign policy back in favor of its traditional Sunni allies.
Iraq’s Kurds, Accused of Backing Insurgents, Demand Maliki Resign
The leader of Iraq’s Kurds calls the premier “hysterical” for accusing them of harboring radical Islamists.
Israel Retaliates After Gaza Strikes, Escalation Unlikely
Israel’s latest air war in Gaza will probably end like the last two did: in a tenuous ceasefire.
Preliminary Afghan Voting Results Suggest Widespread Fraud
According to preliminary election results, far more Afghans voted in the second round than did in the first.
Iran Says Pilot Died in Iraq, Confirming Military Presence
Iran seems to confirm it deployed jet aircraft to support the Iraqi government in announcing the death of a military pilot.
Egypt Cuts Fuel Subsidies in Effort to Reduce Deficit
The austerity measures mark a break with the stopgap economic measures of Egypt’s last government.
Obama Escapes Nixon Treatment for Holiday Bombings
Leftists condemned bombings in Vietnam, but hardly criticize Barack Obama’s drone strikes in Yemen.
Ukraine Signs Europe Pact, Recaptures Rebel Stronghold
After finalizing an association agreement with the European Union, Ukraine’s forces retake Sloviansk.
Xi Seen Distancing China from North Korea
The Chinese president seem to regard relations with his communist neighbor dispassionately.
Hungary to Build Russian Pipeline Over EU Objections
Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has no intention of withdrawing from the South Stream pipeline.
Indecisive Drug Policy Symptom of Humala’s Evasiveness
Peru’s antidrug policy wavers from crop substitution to eradication, reflecting its president’s flipflops.
Iraq’s Parliament Convenes as Country Falls Apart
Lawmakers gather in Baghdad while Sunni militants declare a caliphate and the Kurds edge closer to independence.
Nordic Premiers Could Become European Council President
Jyrki Katainen and Helle Thorning-Schmidt are likely candidates.
Powerful Mayors Could Mend English Democratic Deficit
Calls for a separate English legislature might be staved off if mayors were given the same powers as London’s.
Iraq’s Sunnis Likely to Fall Out Once ISIS Campaign Runs Its Course
Many of the Sunnis who back the offensive against Iraq’s government don’t share the Islamists’ vision.