Mac Deford May 2, 2013 06:25

Doing nothing is Obama’s best option in Syria

Commentary: Islamists among the rebels pose a danger to the Middle East if Assad falls.

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An anti-regime demonstration in the Syrian village of al-Qsair, 20 miles southwest of the flashpoint city Homs. (Alessio Romenzi/AFP/Getty Images)

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Syria, which has been percolating in and out of public view for the last two years, exploded into full sight this past week as a result of revelations that the Assad government may have used nerve gas against rebel-controlled areas. With over 70,000 already dead -- the result of air strikes, heavy shelling of populated areas, and other deadly conventional military means, one can legitimately wonder why the possible deaths of an additional dozen or two Syrians would cause such concern in Washington.

Obama's Mexico trip: What they probably won't say, but should

Dudley AlthausApril 30, 2013 17:43

MEXICO CITY — More than the happy chatter — about trade, economic reforms and enduring friendships — what US President Barack Obama and Mexico's Enrique Peña Nieto don't say, at least publicly, may be more telling about their countries' close but often conflicted relationship.

Syria: The horrific chemical weapons attack that probably wasn’t a chemical weapons attack (Graphic video)

Tracey Shelton and Peter GellingApril 30, 2013 15:49

ALEPPO, Syria — Yasser Younes went to bed around midnight on April 13. When he woke up two days later, he was in a hospital, and his wife and two young children were dead. Other victims suffered from seizure-like symptoms and foaming at the mouth. The attack led Syrians to think chemical warfare had broken out. But a closer analysis reveals something different.

President Obama answers tough questions on the 'red line' in Syria, Guantanamo (VIDEO)

Talia RalphApril 30, 2013 10:45

President Obama took tough questions on both national and international issues from the White House press corps Tuesday, from US action in Syria to the Guantanamo Bay hunger strike to intelligence surrounding the Boston Marathon bombings.

ANC criticized for visit with frail Nelson Mandela (VIDEO)

Jill LangloisApril 30, 2013 10:13

The video, released by South Africa's state broadcaster SABC, shows Mandela sitting in a chair in his Johannesburg home. He barely moves and never smiles as ANC members prepare for a photo opportunity.

Is this a chemical weapon?

News DeskApril 30, 2013 15:49

ALEPPO, Syria — Syrians in Aleppo think this device, which hospitalized more than 20 people with symptoms like foaming at the mouth, is a chemical weapon used by the Syrian government. But experts have their doubts.

Jerusalem mayor aims for "cultural renaissance" in holy city

Noga TarnopolskyApril 30, 2013 06:02

JERUSALEM – Ahead of a municipal vote in which he hopes be reelected as mayor of Jerusalem, Nir Barkat is in the throes of a quiet but radical attempt to change the face of a city steeped in history but with a serious image problem.

Russia's Putin and Japan's PM Abe to discuss island dispute and energy

Daniel DeFraiaApril 29, 2013 07:39

"I will work on boosting Japan-Russia relations so that this visit will mark a restart in stalled negotiations over a peace treaty," Abe said before flying to Moscow, adding that he would like "to build a trusted personal relationship with President Putin."

Court detains Bosniak-Croat Federation President Zivko Budimir

Jill LangloisApril 28, 2013 17:26

He and the other four officials are accused of taking bribes to arrange pardons for convicts.

Talia RalphApril 28, 2013 12:01

Obama, Spielberg debut 'Obama' movie spoof at White House Correspondents' dinner (VIDEO)

President Obama was all jokes at the White House Correspondents' dinner.

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President Barack Obama reacts to a joke told by comedian Conan O'Brien during the White House Correspondents' Association (WHCA) in Washington, District of Columbia, U.S., on Saturday, April 27, 2013. (Pete Marovich/AFP/Getty Images)

President Obama was in fine form at the White House Correspondents' Association dinner Saturday night, enlisting Steven Spielberg and other big Hollywood names to "premier" a spoof documentary about him.