Conflict
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‘Butcher of Liberia’ found guilty of war crimes
At a special court at The Hague, former warlord Charles Taylor was convicted of atrocities committed during one of Africa’s most savage civil wars. A dark chapter in history is ending at last.
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Deadly attack opens Taliban ‘spring offensive’
At least 36 Taliban fighters are dead after launching a daring assault on government buildings in central Kabul. The reaction of ordinary Afghans? Keep calm and carry on.
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Bloodshed casts doubt on Syrian ceasefire
After thirteen months of conflict in Syria, a UN-backed deal offers hope for peace. But as the ceasefire deadline approaches, the war is intensifying. Will the government keep its promises?
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Drones provoke worries of ‘Playstation’ mentality
The USA has embraced the use of unmanned aircraft known as ‘drones’ in its fight against terrorism, and other countries are following suit. Is this the beginning of ‘robot wars?’
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Twenty years on, Sarajevo still scarred by siege
In the 1990s, Sarajevo was home to the longest siege of modern times, and one of the bloodiest. It began twenty years ago this week – and though it is over, many still suffer from its effects.
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‘Napoleonland’ theme park celebrates great dictator
A new tourist attraction near Paris will allow visitors to experience the world of Napoleon Bonaparte, Emperor of France and conqueror of Europe. Was ‘Le Petit Caporal’ a warmonger or a hero?
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Afghan mission in crisis after soldier rampage
A US staff sergeant is in custody today after allegedly murdering as many as sixteen Afghan civilians on a shooting spree early yesterday morning. Nine children are among the dead.
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USA and Israel at odds over possible Iran attack
The spectre of another Middle Eastern war cast a shadow over the Israeli prime minister’s US visit, as the two old allies clashed over Iran’s nuclear programme. Is war on the horizon?
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China announces surge in military spending
China’s defence budget for 2012 will top $100 billion, officials have revealed – an 11% rise on the year before. But should the country’s growing strength really be a cause for alarm?
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Syrian army captures battered rebel stronghold
Rebels in Homs have withdrawn from the district of Baba Amr, where they have been pounded by shells for a month. The city at the heart of the Syrian uprising looks set to fall.
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British reporter rescued from stricken Syrian town
Activists have rescued a photographer from the city of Homs, which is under attack from Syrian government forces. As fears grow for other trapped journalists, calls to arm rebels are mounting.
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Putin murder plot revealed as election nears
Ukrainian police have foiled an apparent plot to assassinate Russian leader Vladimir Putin after upcoming presidential elections. Opposition activists suspect a set up.
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War reporter killed in brutal Syrian siege
Legendary war correspondent Marie Colvin was killed yesterday in the city of Homs by a Syrian Army shell. Her determination to expose a massacre ended up costing her life.
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Afghan withdrawal puts Pakistan under pressure
After 11 years, American troops are beginning their withdrawal from Afghanistan. Peace, however, is not certain – and the consequences of failure spread far beyond the Afghan borders.
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Russian-American relations feel the chill
As Russia’s streets rumble with protest, Prime Minister Putin is taking a combative stance against America. Is his behaviour just a pose – or something more threatening?