Conflict
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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Rebels in Homs have withdrawn from the district of Baba Amr, where they have been pounded by shells for a month.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?
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Tensions rise over Iranian weapons programme
For years, the prospect of a nuclear Iran has haunted the Middle East. With the rogue state closer than ever to building the dreaded bomb, are we heading for a showdown?
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Blood and tears in Syrian city as attack continues
Homs, in Syria, has been under attack for nearly a week, as troops loyal to President Assad launch rockets and shells into rebel-held areas. As casualties mount, tragic stories emerge.
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Massacre in Syria as Russia defends Assad
A UN attempt to put pressure on Syrian president Bashar al Assad has been blocked. Now, tanks and artillery are destroying a rebel city. Why has Russia taken the side of a tyrant?
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Israel ‘likely’ to bomb Iran soon, says US official
There is no prospect in the world Israel fears more than that of a nuclear Iran. With this scenario drawing ever closer, a conflict between the two countries may be imminent.
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Riots in Cairo as funerals begin for stadium victims
Egypt is in tumult after one of the worst outbreaks of football violence in modern times. Some blame the government or say it was a foreign plot. Others point the finger at human nature.
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Prince William called ‘conqueror’ in Falklands row
Argentina is furious as the UK’s future king begins a military mission in the South Atlantic. The deployment of a one billion pound destroyer will also stir memories of an old and bitter war.
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Crisis meeting at UN deadlocked on Syria bloodbath
In Syria, a president is murdering his people. The international community is horrified – but paralysed. Some countries want to intervene – but Russia says meddling is out of the question.
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Revenge attack kills four soldiers after video shock
A video of American marines urinating on Taliban corpses went viral this month. Now, four soldiers could have been murdered in revenge. Should we censor to save lives?