Author Archives: Julian Borger
US reliance on Afghan paramilitaries in rural areas worries European allies
Britain wonders if local police force can keep stability, while Germans argue the units are not easy to controlA split between the US and its European allies has emerged over the role of rural Afghan paramilitary units, seen by American commanders as c… Continue reading
Iran, US and Israel announce new war games as tensions rise in the Gulf
Surge in military activity in the region comes amid threat of EU embargo on Iranian oil and possible closure of strait of HormuzTensions on the oil shipping lanes in the Gulf have escalated with the announcement of new naval exercises by Iran’s Revolut… Continue reading
EU agrees Iran oil embargo
European governments raise pressure on Tehran over its nuclear programme with agreement to ban imports of Iranian oilEuropean governments have agreed in principle to impose a ban on imports of oil from Iran, a potentially serious blow to the already un… Continue reading
Taliban to open political office in Qatar
Agreement with Qatar and other ‘relevant parties’ could be significant step towards peaceful end to Afghanistan conflictThe Taliban have said they are prepared to open a political office in Qatar for the purpose of negotiations “with the international … Continue reading
Iran reports successful medium-range missile test
Ground-to-air naval test firing follows previous day’s claim of nuclear fuel breakthroughIran has claimed to have successfully tested a new medium-range ground to air missile during naval exercises in the Gulf, amid rising tensions over the country’s n… Continue reading
Syria: human rights groups challenge leadership of Arab League mission
Doubts raised after Sudanese general says situation in Homs is ‘reassuring’ despite footage of monitors witnessing casualtiesThe judgement of an Arab League observer mission in Syria has been called into question after its leader, Sudanese general Must… Continue reading
Arab League monitors visit Homs
Tens of thousands of demonstrators took to the streets to try and prevent what some warned would be a whitewash inspectionTens of thousands of Syrian demonstrators took to the streets of Homs during a visit by Arab League monitors, to protest against… Continue reading
Afghanistan conference promises support after troop withdrawal
International conference in Bonn has promised continued support for Afghanistan after Nato combat troops leave in 2014An international conference in Bonn has promised continued support for Afghanistan after the withdrawal of Nato combat troops in 2014…. Continue reading
British ‘most secret’ invasion plans seized at Iran embassy
Luckily for MI6, the stolen plans were nearly 70 years old and the target was FranceAmid the mayhem when the British embassy in Tehran was stormed last Tuesday, a mob destroyed antique oil portraits of Queen Victoria and Edward VII, made off with a pos… Continue reading