Syria backs away from humanitarian relief plan for Homs

Homs has been destroyed by clashes between rebels and Syrian troops.

Damascus offers no sign that it will let a food convoy enter the besieged Old City of Homs under a U.N. plan.

Zawahiri seeks to end infighting among Syrian militants

Zawahiri seeks to end infighting among Syrian militants

The al-Qaeda leader’s appeal reflects concern that battles are undermining the group’s ambitions in the region.

Syrians blast Kerry at talks, say Assad won’t give up power

Syrians blast Kerry at talks, say Assad won’t give up power

Syrian government says conflict is driven by foreign insurgents. New report offers fresh proof of torture.

Afghan land-mine removal workers kidnapped, released

Motive, identity of kidnappers are unclear; kidnappings follow brazen restaurant attack in Kabul on Friday.

Attack on restaurant in Afghan capital kills at least 21

Attack on restaurant in Afghan capital kills at least 21

At least two Americans were among the victims of the commando-style raid on a popular restaurant.

Maliki asks U.S. to send weapons to help defeat insurgents

Maliki asks U.S. to send weapons to help defeat insurgents

The embattled Iraqi prime minister seeks U.S. assistance to wrest control of Ramadi and Fallujah from militants.

Karzai says U.S. troops killed eight civilians in Afghanistan

Karzai says U.S. troops killed eight civilians in Afghanistan

The incident in Parwan province further complicates efforts to conclude a security agreement.

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Tracking America’s drone war

Armed drones have become a vital element of U.S. national security policy. This project documents ongoing drone strikes in Pakistan, Yemen and Somalia.

Obama awards Army captain Medal of Honor

Capt. William Swenson was awarded the honor for his bravery during the Battle of Ganjgal, one of the deadliest battles in the Afghan war.

U.S. drone network in the Middle East and Africa

As the U.S. military withdraws from Afghanistan, the Pentagon is shifting its fleet of drones to other global hot spots.

Chemical weapons stockpiles around the world

Russia and the U.S. rank highest in the number of declared chemical weapons. See who else has declared chemical weapons under the Chemical Weapons Convention.

Who has signed the Chemical Weapons Convention

After Syria signed the treaty, it became the 190th country to join the international convention outlawing chemical weapons.