French soldiers in Mali arrest a 58-year-old Frenchman who is suspected of being a member of al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb—and who may prove to be a key source of intelligence on the group
security
Jihadi Strike in Timbuktu Reflects Altered Terrorism Threat in Mali
As France prepares its military departure from Mali, a March 31 strike by militants in Timbuktu indicates how jihadi forces aren’t giving up — just reverting to previous practice
The Terror of Toulouse: How Much Did the French Know About a Spree Shooter?
A year after Toulouse jihadi Mohammed Merah began a killing campaign that claimed seven lives, France marks the death of his first victim amid new indications that domestic intelligence services missed clear signs of the threat he posed
After Successful Missile Launch, North Korea Threatens New Nuclear Test
North Korea today declared it may soon carry out a third nuclear test as part of “a new phase of the anti-U.S. struggle”
China’s First Defense: Bodyguards Train to Protect Chinese Interests Abroad
In sub-zero winter temperatures, these trainees at a derelict army base outside Beijing wake before dawn to practice martial arts and evasive driving. It’s all part of preparations to provide security for the growing number of …
Scenes from Inside China’s Prison System
China’s criminal justice and prison system is known for being notoriously opaque—trials move swiftly, the guilty sometimes disappear. Here are images from inside two detention centers in Beijing, after government authorities …
Why a Cop Is France’s Favorite Politician
French Interior Minister Manual Valls law-and-order drive has made him the darling of opinion polls, while approval ratings of President François Hollande and other leaders plummet amid the hardening economic crisis.
Unfriendly Fire: Can the U.S. and NATO Prevent ‘Green on Blue’ Attacks in Afghanistan?
Doing proper background checks to ascertain if recruits have Taliban affiliations is just one of the many challenges facing the U.S. and NATO as they prepare for withdrawal from Afghanistan by the end of 2014
Despite an Anti-Sarkozy Agenda, Hollande Imitates His Predecessor on Security
Tough reaction to project rioting in Amiens and resumption of controversial Roma deportations find French Socialist President François Hollande adopting security positions leftists once assailed his conservative predecessor …
Afghanistan Sacks Its Security Chiefs: How Will That Affect U.S. Forces?
The parliamentary denoucement of the ministers of defense and the interior may be a sign of Afghan democracy at work but it makes the security situation much more volatile for U.S. forces preparing to withdraw
Fun in the Sun? The Philippines Dreams Big for Tourism
The Philippine government has plans to turn Bohol province into a major Southeast Asian tourist destination. But the country is going to have to address its violent reputation and crumbling infrastructure first
Diamond Jubilee: Queen’s Celebration Spurs Massive Security Operation
On Sunday, as Queen Elizabeth II and members of the extended royal family cruise through London as part of the Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant, security forces will have their eyes on Her Majesty. Given the menace of terrorism, …
Must-Reads from Around the World, May 17, 2012
Suspicious Minds – Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post reveals that elderly Communist Party members in the Chinese province of Yunnan have been questioned after they penned a letter calling for the sacking of Zhou Yongkang, the country’s top security official, amid rumors of continued infighting following the downfall of Bo Xilai. …