U.S.-Pakistan strategic dialogue promotes mutual goals
Blogger S. Azmat Hassan analyzes the recent policy talks between U.S. and Pakistani officials. He explains that, as is often the case between a superpower and a much weaker country, the relationship brightens up when the former needs the latter in some capacity. But, it reverts to the doldrums when that requirement subsides.
Drone war forces resurgent al-Qaeda to rely on franchises
The drone war in northwest Pakistan has brought attention to the attenuated al-Qaeda core that moved from Afghanistan in late 2001. But two events in December -- a failed Christmas Day bombing and an attack on CIA operatives in Afghanistan -- have led analysts to re-assess al-Qaeda's perceived decline. Worldfocus takes a look at the organization's evolution.
Drones continue to eliminate major foes in NW Pakistan
This week, Pakistani Taliban finally confirmed what the Pakistani army had claimed many days ago -- that Hakimullah Mehsud was killed last month by U.S. drones. While there are conflicting reports about which strike dealt Mehsud the mortal blow, the Pakistani Taliban are leaderless for the second time in six months. Read how commentators are assessing the drone war.
U.S. military continues secret operations with Yemeni troops
Religious leaders in Yemen are decrying foreign interference, as the U.S. becomes more involved in secret missions there. The Washington Post reports that U.S. teams and have been deeply involved in joint operations with Yemeni troops for six weeks. Thus far, the effort has killed six local al-Qaeda leaders. Mohamed Vall of of Al Jazeera English has more.
With purported new bin Laden tape, al-Qaeda resurfaces
The attempted Christmas day bombing -- and a recent message purportedly from Osama bin Laden -- have focused new attention on al-Qaeda. A report from a former senior C.I.A. official warns that al-Qaeda is being patient but has not abandoned its mission. Daljit Dhaliwal interviews Rolf Mowatt-Larssen, and Al Jazeera English's Nadim Baba reports from London.
Yemen’s UN ambassador calls al-Qaeda a ‘pestilence’
Worldfocus producer Mohammad al-Kassim interviews Abdullah Alsaidi, Yemen’s Ambassador to the U.N. They discuss Yemen's battle against al-Qaeda in light of its own internal difficulties, as well as the failed Christmas day bomb attempt by a Nigerian man who had lived in Yemen.
Worldfocus Radio: Yemen’s Multiple Wars
Our weekly Worldfocus Radio show analyzes three different ongoing conflicts in Yemen: Houthis in the north, al-Qaeda militants and southern separatists. Martin Savidge hosts Christopher Boucek of the Carnegie Endowment and Sudarsan Raghavan of the Washington Post.
U.S. intensifies drone attacks on Pakistan’s tribal region
In 2009, the U.S. launched at least 50 missile strikes against al-Qaeda and Taliban operatives in northwest Pakistan. While drone attacks are more frequent than ever before, there is wide disagreement about civilian deaths. View our interactive map of Pakistan drone attack locations since 2004.
Yemen enters media spotlight after terror links exposed
It was Yemen where Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab was allegedly trained by al-Qaeda. Worldfocus producer Mohammad al-Kassim writes how Yemen offers al-Qaeda the perfect environment to reorganize and reinvent itself, and that’s precisely why the world’s focus is now shifting to the Arabian Peninsula nation. It’s not news that Yemen has been a terrorist safe haven.
U.S. government implements tougher airport security rules
Following a failed attempt by Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab to blow up a flight into Detroit on Christmas morning, the Transportation Security Administration imposed tougher screening rules for passengers originating in 14 mostly Muslim nations. See more about the countries selected.
The Worldfocus broadcast went off the air April 2. Our website will remain online, but we will not be adding new content. Thanks to our many partners, experts and viewers for your generous support.
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