Resources - News

This section includes the latest news relating to U.S. security policy around the world. Updated daily, the news provided in this searchable database highlights the most relevant security developments from around the world. 

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Insight: Nigeria Riven by New Battles Over Scarce Fertile Land

Friday, August 12, 2016
Muslim herdsmen fleeing Boko Haram jihadists and fast-spreading desertification in the north of Nigeria are clashing with Christian farmers in the south, adding a dangerous new dimension to the sectarian tensions and militancy plaguing the country.English
Country(s): 
Nigeria
Author(s): 
Ulf Laessing
Publisher / Source: 
Reuters
Tag(s): 
Violence

U.S. Aid To Honduras In Doubt After Killings Of Activists

Friday, August 12, 2016
A $750 million U.S. economic aid package for Central America was touted last year as a way to slow migration into the U.S. by making one of the world’s most violent regions more prosperous. But the March assassination of indigenous land-rights activist Berta Cáceres has shined an international spotlight on the Honduran government’s abysmal human rights record, casting doubt on whether it can meet conditions for claiming a large chunk of the aid money.English
Country(s): 
Honduras
Author(s): 
Roque Planas
Publisher / Source: 
The Huffington Post
Tag(s): 
Security Assistance
Human Rights

U.S. Lawmakers Urge Obama on UN Arms Embargo for South Sudan

Friday, August 12, 2016
More than a dozen U.S. lawmakers have written to President Barack Obama to urge a UN-imposed arms embargo on South Sudan following heavy fighting in its capital last month.English
Country(s): 
South Sudan
Publisher / Source: 
News 24
Tag(s): 
Arms Control

UN Security Council to Vote Friday on South Sudan Force

Friday, August 12, 2016
The UN Security Council is expected to vote on Friday on deploying a 4,000-strong regional force to South Sudan despite opposition from the government in Juba, diplomats said. The United States presented a draft resolution this week to the council on setting up the protection force to ensure security in the capital and deter attacks on UN bases.English
Country(s): 
South Sudan
Publisher / Source: 
The East African
Tag(s): 
U.N. Peacekeeping

Kissinger Hindered U.S. Effort to End Mass Killings in Argentina, According to Files

Friday, August 12, 2016
Former secretary of state Henry Kissinger jeopardized US efforts to stop mass killings by Argentina’s 1976-83 military dictatorship by congratulating the country’s military leaders for “wiping out” terrorism, according to a large trove of newly declassified state department files.English
Country(s): 
Argentina
Author(s): 
Uki Goni
Publisher / Source: 
The Guardian
Tag(s): 
Security Assistance

Pakistan Is Pressed Over Dual-Track Terror Strategy

Friday, August 12, 2016
Officials accuse India of role in Quetta bombing, but critics say Islamabad’s shielding of certain jihadists helps fuel terror. English
Country(s): 
Pakistan
Author(s): 
Saeed Shah
Publisher / Source: 
The Wall Street Journal
Tag(s): 
Security Assistance
Counterterrorism

Ethiopia Must Allow in Observers After Killings: UN Rights Boss

Friday, August 12, 2016
The U.N. human rights chief urged Ethiopia on Wednesday to allow international observers into restive regions where residents and opposition officials say 90 protesters were shot dead by security forces at the weekend.English
Country(s): 
Ethiopia
Author(s): 
Stephanie Nebehay
Publisher / Source: 
Reuters Africa
Tag(s): 
Violence
Human Rights

U.S. General Asks India for Military Assistance in Afghanistan

Friday, August 12, 2016
The commander in charge of US forces in Afghanistan has asked India to step up military aid in the Asian country. Gen. John Nicholson's call to action comes as Western sanctions against Russia is leading to a paucity of spares for Russian-made weaponry used by Afghan forces.English
Country(s): 
India
Afghanistan
Author(s): 
Vivek Raghuvanshi
Publisher / Source: 
Defense News
Tag(s): 
Military Cooperation
Security Assistance

Pentagon Won't Reveal How Many Troops are Fighting ISIS

Friday, August 12, 2016
The Pentagon has declined to say how many U.S. troops are actually on the ground in Iraq and Syria more than two years after the first deployments to fight the Islamic State. The military only shares the number of full-time troops deployed, known as the "force management level" or FML English
Country(s): 
Syria
Author(s): 
Kristina Wong
Publisher / Source: 
The Hill
Tag(s): 
Military

Pakistan Passes Controversial Cyber-Crime Law

Friday, August 12, 2016
Pakistan has adopted a much-criticized cyber security law that grants sweeping powers to regulators to block private information they deem illegal. Government officials say internet restrictions under the new law are needed to ensure security against growing threats, such as terrorism. But the law has alarmed human rights and pro-democracy activists worried that its vague language could lead to curtailment of free speech and unfair prosecutions. English
Country(s): 
Pakistan
Author(s): 
Mehreen Zahra-Malik
Publisher / Source: 
Reuters
Tag(s): 
Security

With Yemeni Casualties Rising, GOP Senator Looks to Block Big Arms Sale to Saudi Arabia

Friday, August 12, 2016
Citing concerns over Saudi Arabia’s human rights record, Republican Senator Rand Paul says he’s looking for ways to stop a $1.15 billion weapons deal with Riyadh that would include the sale of 130 Abrams battle tanks, 20 armored vehicles, and other military equipment.English
Country(s): 
Saudi Arabia
Author(s): 
John Hudson
Publisher / Source: 
Foreign Policy
Tag(s): 
Security Assistance
Arms Sales

Uzbekistan: Senate to Consider Long-Awaited Police Law

Friday, August 12, 2016
Uzbekistan’s upper house of parliament is due later this month to consider long-awaited legislation outlining the rules and responsibilities of the police force. English
Country(s): 
Uzbekistan
Publisher / Source: 
EurasiaNet
Tag(s): 
Policing
Security Sector Reform

Air Force Relationships With Turkey a Concern in Wake of Coup Attempt

Friday, August 12, 2016
The U.S. Air Force will continue to fly missions out of Incirlik Air Base in Turkey, despite ongoing turmoil following a failed coup there last month, Air Force officials said Wednesday. U.S. military leaders hope to restore or create new relationships with their Turkish counterparts, Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James told reporters at a State of the Air Force briefing with Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Goldfein.English
Country(s): 
Turkey
Author(s): 
Oriana Pawlyk
Publisher / Source: 
Military Times
Tag(s): 
Military Cooperation

Kyrgyzstan Government Investigating Thefts at Former U.S. Air Base

Friday, August 12, 2016
The Kyrgyzstan government is investigating the apparent theft of equipment from the former United States air base there, which the departing Americans had handed over to the Kyrgyzstan armed forces.English
Country(s): 
Kyrgyzstan
Author(s): 
Joshua Kucera
Publisher / Source: 
EurasiaNet
Tag(s): 
Military Equipment
Military Cooperation

Growing Zambian Air Force Playing a Regional Role

Thursday, August 11, 2016
The year 2016 may be a turning point for the Zambia Air Force. The Air Force will finish taking delivery of six SF-260TW training aircraft, made by the Italian company Alenia-Aermacchi. The Air Force has ordered six Chinese-made L-15 Falcon fighter jets, at a cost of about $100 million. English
Country(s): 
Zambia
Publisher / Source: 
Defence Web
Tag(s): 
Militarization
Security

Not All of the News is Bad

Thursday, August 11, 2016
As the Taliban and ISIS continue to launch attacks across Afghanistan, U.S. and Afghan forces face the daunting task of bringing stability to one of the world’s most volatile countries. The Cipher Brief spoke with Ryan Crocker, former U.S. Ambassador to Afghanistan and Iraq, about the current security apparatus in Afghanistan. Despite these attacks, Crocker says that “not all the news is bad” as Afghan forces have repeatedly repelled Taliban advances and that Afghanistan continues to remain a “vital U.S. national security interest.”English
Country(s): 
Afghanistan
Author(s): 
Ryan Crocker
Publisher / Source: 
The Cipher Brief
Tag(s): 
Terrorism
Security Assistance
Military Equipment

South Sudan Accuses UN of Spearheading Regime Change Strategy

Thursday, August 11, 2016
South Sudanese government under the leadership of President Salva Kiir has accused the United Nations of working for regime change in Juba to overthrow the current government. The government reacted angrily to a draft proposal seeking approval of the deployment of 4,000 troops with all military capabilities to provide security and protection in Juba and help in the implementation of the peace agreement in the country.English
Country(s): 
South Sudan
Publisher / Source: 
Sudan Tribune
Tag(s): 
U.N. Peacekeeping
Politics and Security

UN Calls for Probe into Ethiopia Protesters Killings

Thursday, August 11, 2016
The UN human rights chief has urged Ethiopia to allow international observers to investigate the killings of 90 protesters in restive regions at the weekend.English
Country(s): 
Ethiopia
Publisher / Source: 
Aljazeera
Tag(s): 
Violence
Human Rights

Zambia: People Cast their Votes in Presidential Election Marred by Violence

Thursday, August 11, 2016
Long lines are forming outside Zambia's polling stations as the elections for president and parliament begin, in what is expected to be a bruising battle against the backdrop of the country's lethargic growth.English
Country(s): 
Zambia
Author(s): 
Alex Wheeler
Publisher / Source: 
International Business Times
Tag(s): 
Governance
Violence

Iran and Hezbollah Remain Hyperactive in Latin America

Thursday, August 11, 2016
As the summer Olympics continue in Rio, Brazilian and international security forces are poised to stymie any terrorist plot that might threaten the games. According to Matt Levitt, former Treasury Department official and expert on Hezbollah, Brazilian counterterrorism officials intensified efforts to prevent a terrorist attack by arresting former Hezbollah member Fadhi Hassan Nabha as well as 12 Brazilian ISIS supporters during the lead-up to the games. The Cipher Brief spoke with Levitt to assess the current threat posed by Iran and Hezbollah throughout Latin America. English
Country(s): 
South America Regional
Central America Regional
Author(s): 
Matthew Levitt
Publisher / Source: 
The Cipher Brief
Tag(s): 
Terrorism

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