Iran Denies Rumors of High-Level US Talks

Reports have been swirling around for the past several days that the United States has been holding high-level but discreet talks with Iran even as the Obama Administration has publicly dismissed rumors of any official efforts to improve relations. Now, Iran too is...

read more

Afghans Protest After US Raid Kills Civilians

Hundreds of Afghan protesters took to the streets Sunday in protest over a US raid they said led to the deaths of at least two civilians, the latest in a string to US raids which have killed a large number of innocent civilians. During the US raid in the Ghazni...

read more

Renditions May Expand Under Obama’s Watch

While President Barack Obama reversed a number of the Bush Administration's anti-terror excesses, the controversial tactic known as extraordinary rendition, the extralegal kidnapping and transportation of detainees, remains conspicuously legal. Only a cursory effort...

read more

Maliki, Allies Gain in Iraqi Elections

Early (and unofficial) projections show Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki and allies gaining at the expense of the rival Supreme Islamic Iraqi Council. If this holds though the final count, which will not be available until likely late in the week, it will...

read more

Islamist Sheikh Is New Somali President

During a session held in Djibouti the Somali parliament has decided on Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed as the new president of Somalia. Ahmed will replace Abdullahi Yusuf, who was ousted last month under the threat of US sanctions. Ahmed has a colorful history: a geography...

read more