Syrian regime continues slow-motion suicide. Military sustains its rule in Egypt. Food and aid is delivered by U.N. to crisis areas in Somalia. Could be a victory march beginning to gain momentum in Brega, Libya. Doug Saunders argues today in the Globe and Mail that the feeling of unity and common purpose vanishes the day the tyrant is gone. The U.N. continues its work on the ground in Tunisia.      

Let the transitions begin

Libya's Gaddafi sends early signals of departure before fall, as U.S. Secretary of State Clinton hand-delivers recognition of National Transitional Council. Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Baird enthuses about the NTC rebels, then contemplates a new embassy and a big loan from seized Gaddafi funds. The United Nations grasps the theme of 'political transition' in Libya, Egypt, Tunisia, and Sudan. South Sudan in particular is the U.N.'s most important arms decommissioning project.        

Optimism turns to...

President Bashir proclaims a 'second republic' in Sudan. Foreign Policy looks afresh at failed states and how they threaten U.S. security. Cairo's Tahrir Square sees renewed protests after military postpones elections. Human Rights Watch reports crimes by rebel forces in Libya. Today in Afghanistan, Karzai attempts to regroup in the South. With Canadians out of Kandahar, will the Taliban accept Karzai's plea to lay down their arms?

Back from the dead.

South Sudan: the world's newest country is soon to get its new currency, and no sign of a new perspective coming out of Khartoum. In an International Crisis Group (ICG) report, more questions than answers about Syria's uprising and the regime's surprising response. Canada's un-celebratory close of operations in Afghanistan urges us to ask: should this world-class military return to base as border tensions continue unabated. The tense politics of military aid plays out between U.S. + Pakistan. U.S. Secretary of State Clinton recognizes Assad's illegitimacy. George Monbiot argues for journalists' pledge like Hippocratic oath to hold power to account. Is there another side to the sordid story? Post-invasion Mosul may mark a combustible province Iraq.