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Geopolitical Diary: The Middle East In Flux

May 9, 2008 0207 GMT

Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert could be indicted on charges of bribery. There is violence in Lebanon between Hezbollah and those opposed to it. The Turks suspended Israeli-Syrian talks because of leaks. Things are in flux in the Middle East. [more]

Special Topic Pages

Showcasing our ongoing coverage of the most important geopolitical issues of the day.

Kosovo, Russia and the West
U.S.-Iran Negotiations
Israel, Syria and Lebanon: A Tangled Web
Tracking U.S. Naval Power
2008 Olympics: Beijing’s Hopes and Hurdles

Iraq: Al Qaeda Leader Arrested

May 8, 2008 2120 GMT

The leader of al Qaeda in Iraq has been arrested, the Iraqi Defense Ministry announced May 8. [more]

Lebanon: Violence Spreads During Hezbollah Protests

May 8, 2008 2100 GMT

Violence spread throughout Lebanon on May 8 during a second day of protests by Hezbollah. [more]

Georgians in traditional garb protest at the Russian Embassy in Tbilisi on May 8

Georgia, Russia: The Abkhazia Standoff Gets Serious

May 8, 2008 1958 GMT

The standoff between Russia and Georgia is becoming more and more serious. [more]

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Situation Reports

Zimbabwe: South African President To Meet With Mugabe

May 9, 2008 1355 GMT

South African President Thabo Mbeki went to Zimbabwe on May 9 for talks with President Robert Mugabe about Zimbabwe's disputed elections, the possible runoff and concerns of further violence, Reuters reported. It has not been reported whether Mbeki plans to meet with members of opposition party Movement for Democratic Change to discuss post-election violence.

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Lebanon: Jumblatt Calls For Dialogue

May 9, 2008 1346 GMT

Lebanon: Unions Shut Down Beirut's Port

May 9, 2008 1346 GMT

Russia, Vietnam: ZarubezhNeft, PetroVietnam To Develop Siberian Oil Blocks

May 9, 2008 1339 GMT

Today's Podcast

Pastures new: China seeks to buy foreign farms to secure food

May 9, 2008 0702 GMT

The Chinese leadership is considering a proposal by the country’s Department of Agriculture to... [more]

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Terrorism Weekly

Graphic for Terrorism Intelligence Report

Shanghai Bus Fire Highlights Chinese Transportation Vulnerability

May 6, 2008 2207 GMT

A recent fire aboard a bus in Shanghai illustrates China’s historical weakness with regard to the security of its transportation system and the prevalence of explosives used in the country as a weapon of choice by militants and other would-be attackers. [more]

Geopolitical Weekly