Peter GellingJune 19, 2013 12:11

Security forces, it seems, are the same wherever you go. From Oakland to Istanbul to Manama, anti-government protests of the last few years look eerily similar.

Turkey protests: about more than a shopping mall

Stephen StarrJune 2, 2013 10:06

ISTANBUL — With protests spreading to more towns and cities every day, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s legacy may turn out to be very different from the one he once imagined.

Russian S-300 missiles haven't made it to Syria, but MiG fighter jets might

Priyanka BoghaniMay 31, 2013 13:27

Russia has not yet delivered the rumored S-300 air defense missile systems to Syria, Russian media reports said Friday. Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, who can count Moscow as his last remaining ally, seemed to imply on Thursday that part of the controversial shipment had arrived, without referring to the missiles by name. The S-300 missiles would make a no-fly zone in Syrian air space particularly hard to establish, and would make it possible to shoot down aircrafts in the air above neighbors Turkey and Israel.

Nicholas BurnsMay 31, 2013 10:56

Another take on Obama’s big speech

Commentary: Like him or not, President Obama was gutsy to launch national conversations on Guantanamo, drones and America's nonstop war on terror.

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President Barack Obama outlines his administration's counterterrorism policy at the National Defense University in Washington, DC. (Win McNamee/Getty Images)

CAMBRIDGE — Obama has been accused by critics from the right and left of raising big issues — how to defeat Islamic terrorism, the use of drones, the fate of Guantanamo — but not providing a clear way forward for the country on any of them. But, consider this more generous view. Obama had the guts to deliver a big speech that ranged over issues that have deeply divided the country.

Jessica PhelanMay 31, 2013 08:29

Chatter: US woman reported killed in Syria

At least one Westerner is reported dead on the Syrian rebels' front line, the euro zone is more jobless than ever, Mount Everest is so crowded these days, and an Olympic-sized corruption scandal in Russia.

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Graphic. (Antler Agency/GlobalPost)

US woman among 3 Westerners killed fighting for Syrian rebels

Freya PetersenMay 31, 2013 09:36Updated May 31, 2013 11:37

Activists say Syrian government troops and Hezbollah fighters attacked a convoy trying to evacuate wounded, killing about 10.

Assad agrees to participate in Geneva peace talks 'in principle' as opposition bows out

Talia RalphMay 30, 2013 16:08

Bashar al-Assad confirmed that he will send Syrian negotiators to peace talks slated to take place in Geneva, as the Syrian opposition said they would not attend.

Assad vague on Syria receiving S-300 air defense missiles from Russia

Talia RalphMay 30, 2013 09:22Updated May 30, 2013 15:30

Assad hinted that Russia sent a shipment of S-300 surface-to-air missiles to Syria Thursday, just days before the European Union's arms embargo on the country is set to lapse.

Meet Syria's extremist female rebel fighters (VIDEO)

Tracey SheltonMay 30, 2013 08:31

ALEPPO, Syria — About 5,000 women are fighting for the Syrian rebels, some of them with their children at their side. "My dream is to use a 23 mm and shoot down war planes," says one.

Jessica PhelanMay 30, 2013 07:13

Chatter: Syria says it has Russian missiles

The Syrian president claims Russia has begun shipping him anti-aircraft missiles, Iraqi cities are under attack, an escape from North Korea doesn't go to plan, and woolly mammoths rise from the dead. Sort of.

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Graphic. (Antler Agency/GlobalPost)