North Africa

Libyan Dawn rebels in control of Tripoli

With chaotic warfare spreading throughout the country, the Islamist-led Libyan Dawn rebel alliance is in effective control of the capital—with the support of Libya's grand mufti.

North Africa

Militants attack Egypt border post from Libya

Gunmen killed at least 20 Egyptian troops on the Libyan border—amid reports that President Sisi is backing rogue military operations against Islamists in Benghazi.

North Africa

Libya: Tripoli clashes; Benghazi suspect killed

As rival militias battle for control of Tripoli's airport, a suspect in the 2012 attack in Benghazi is found dead in Libya's eastern town of Marj, also under control of a local militia.

North Africa

Battles in Benghazi as general goes unilateral

Heavy fighting broke out in Benghazi as forces led by Gen. Khalifa Hafter attacked an alliance of Islamist militias—a move disavowed by Libya's central government in Tripoli.

Watching the Shadows

Benghazigate and Internet freedom

The provocateur video that supposedly incited the Benghazi attack is at the center of a persistent news story—but we can't see it, because the Ninth Circuit ordered it suppressed.

North Africa

Beyond Benghazi: Libya faces converging crises

The death of a US national in Benghazi thrust Libya briefly into the news—as lawless militias, ethnic conflicts and labor strife daily claim lives across the country.

North Africa

Tunisia frees Benghazi attack suspect

A Tunisian court unconditionally released Ali Harzi, the only suspect held in custody over the deadly attack on the US consulate in the Libyan city of Benghazi.

Watching the Shadows

Chuck Hagel: revenge of the paleocons?

Leftists are ironically rallying around Chuck Hagel as Obama's apparent pick for Secretary of Defense—a conservative Republican who is wary of the neocons but close to Big Oil.

Greater Middle East

Syria chemical weapons threat: how real?

Is a "false flag" attack in preparation to faciliate military intervention that would install the rebels in power? Or is Washington more afraid of WMD falling into jihadist hands?

Greater Middle East

Syria: endgame or wider war?

With pitched fighting in Damascus, the Internet is down across Syria. Russia meanwhile protests NATO plans to place missiles along Syria's border in Turkey.