Richard Weitz

Some European nations want the 20-year embargo on sales to China lifted. Their arguments are strong, but the arguments for not lifting it are stronger.

The IAEA has confirmed almost two dozen incidents of theft or loss of fissile materials. Last week’s nuclear, though, ended with no agreement on enforcement to stop terrorists acquiring them.

Russia is playing a careful balancing game in Central Asia – stirring up worries about the U.S. military presence is just part of the game.

Worried Russia will be marginalized by China, expect Vladimir Putin to push his Eurasian Union vision – and perhaps spring a surprise over Pakistan.

The deal reached this week between the U.S. and North Korea is a step forward. But North Korea is well aware of the power of its deterrent.

Japan and Russia would undoubtedly benefit from finding a resolution to the dispute over the Kuril Islands. But domestic pressure is holding them back.

Chinese and Russian vetoes over condemning Syria have infuriated Western capitals. But the reasons for them are more complex than some realize.

The timing of the leak of last week’s report on interrogations of Taliban members was suspicious. But NATO will have to get used to efforts to sow discord.

Barack Obama’s attraction to unconventional operations has perhaps only been rivaled by John F. Kennedy. But plans for a floating base have their limits.

Despite the warnings from China, the Pentagon’s Defense Strategic Guidance offers few surprises. Change has been coming for a while.

Plans to establish a Taliban political liaison office in Qatar suggest peace talks may finally make progress. But are the Taliban really ready to stop fighting?

Iran’s military could probably make life uncomfortable for the U.S. in the Strait of Hormuz. But the downsides far outweigh the advantages of trying.