Israeli Defense minister implies a strike on Iran nuclear program is near

UN intervention in Syria: What is Russia's tipping point?

Russia continues to oppose any United Nations intervention in Syria, even as violence escalates. But Russia might be persuaded to act if the Assad regime looks certain to fall, experts say.

US troops in Afghanistan: How big is shift from 'combat' to 'assistance'?

The US plan to end its combat mission in Afghanistan by the end of 2013, shifting to an 'advise and assist' role, may not mean a huge change for troops on the ground.

Pakistan high court to charge prime minister with contempt

Pakistan's highest court said on Feb. 2 it would charge Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani with contempt of court for refusing to reopen a corruption case against President Asif Ali Zardari.

Ahmadinejad's Latin America trip kicks sand in US eyes, but is it threatening?

Iran's President Ahmadinejad begins a tour of anti-American capitals in Latin America in Caracas, Venezuela, Sunday. The trip seeks to counter perceptions of Iran's isolation over its nuclear program.

Turkey jails former leader of its once-exalted military

The jailing of Turkey's former top military official, pending a trial on charges of terrorism and plotting to bring down the government, is only the latest of hundreds of arrests of those who pose a threat to the government's power.

China stays cool as new US defense strategy targets Asia

Some Chinese scholars worry that the new US defense strategy could promote strategic competition in the long term. The most likely theater for crisis? The South China Sea.

Arab League signals mounting frustration with Syria

The Arab League will hold an emergency meeting Saturday to decide whether to pull its monitors from Syria amid continued violence. If the Arab League recalls its monitors, international pressure on Syria would mount.

Middle East in 2012? Egypt and Iran and Syria and... oh, my.

Last year was momentous, but the region may just be getting warmed up.