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.

Watching the Shadows

Military coup d’état against Obama?

Was Rear Admiral Charles M. Gaouette sacked from his command of a Pacific carrier battle group last month because he was plotting a putsch against Obama? 

Afghanistan

US in Afghanistan beyond 2014: Gen. Dunford

The next commander of US forces in Afghanistan is prepared to testify that he wants to see a significant US military presence in Afghanistan after the end of 2014.

North Africa

Petraeus prostration: Benghazi blowback?

David Petraeus was scheduled to testify before Congress on the Benghazi attack when he was brought down by a sex scandal. Did the FBI instrument the revelation to silence him?

North Africa

Obama and Romney both fudged facts on Libya

In last night's debate, both Obama and Romney engaged in distortions over the question of when the deadly attack on the consulate in Benghazi was deemed "terrorism."

North Africa

Libya: will militia crackdown spark insurgency?

Tripoli has issued an ultimatum to Libya's militias to either come under army command or disband—but some have just retreated to the desert, raising fears of an insurgency.