Guy Taylor
Articles by Guy Taylor
U.S. shuts embassy in Syria as Obama tells Assad to go
An international standoff on Syria intensified Monday as the U.S. shuttered its embassy in Damascus and Britain recalled its ambassador amid an increase in violence that many now believe is headed for full-blown civil war. Published February 6, 2012
Mexican vote may determine future of drug war
The front-runner in Mexico's presidential race represents a party known for allowing drug-trafficking cartels semiautonomous control of certain regions during its rule in the previous century. Published February 3, 2012
U.S. waiting to see who else steps up on Iran oil embargo
U.S. officials have lauded the growing international support for an embargo of Iranian crude oil, but it remains to be seen who beyond the European Union will embrace the boycott. Published February 2, 2012
‘Hell to pay’ if terrorists’ link to drug cartels isn’t checked
Collaboration between Latin American drug cartels and groups such as Iran's Quds Force and the Islamic terror group Hezbollah is growing "far faster than most policymakers in Washington, D.C., choose to admit," a former U.S. intelligence official testified Tuesday. Published February 2, 2012
U.S. tries to steady oil-rich, but restive Nigeria
U.S. officials are monitoring developments in Nigeria, where massive protests and a series of bombings by a shadowy Islamist group have rocked the West African nation, a key U.S. oil supplier. Published January 29, 2012
Nigeria Islamist militant sect drawing increased scrutiny
The scene in Nigeria's northern city of Kano unfolded like a script that could only have been written by al Qaeda: Several explosives-laden cars driven by suicide bombers hit multiple police stations with choreographed attacks over the course of a single hour. Published January 29, 2012
U.S. OK with early French withdrawal from Afghanistan
The State Department raised no resistance Friday to France's announcement to pull its troops from Afghanistan in 2013, a year ahead of schedule. Published January 27, 2012
U.S. lauds EU for embargo on Iranian crude oil
U.S. leaders praised the European Union's embargo on Iranian oil Monday, even though it triggered a jump of more than $1 per barrel in global oil prices and signaled the potential for a rise in U.S. gasoline prices in the weeks ahead. Published January 23, 2012
Taiwanese president’s re-election may sour U.S. arms sales
U.S. officials have praised the re-election of Taiwan's president, even though it sets the island nation and longtime U.S. ally on course for closer ties with mainland China. Published January 17, 2012
State Department slams Perry’s ‘terrorists’ comment on Turkey
The State Department said Tuesday it "absolutely and fundamentally" disagrees with Republican presidential candidate Rick Perry's remark during Monday's debate in South Carolina that Turkey is "ruled by what many would perceive to be Islamic terrorists." Published January 17, 2012
Clinton denies U.S. involvement in death of Iranian nuclear scientist
Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton "categorically" denied Wednesday any U.S. involvement in the car bombing of an Iranian nuclear scientist in Tehran, the fourth in a series of attacks over the past two years apparently aimed at disrupting Iran's disputed nuclear program. Published January 11, 2012
State Department spokeswoman says it is time for Assad to ‘step aside’
The State Department stopped short of calling for the ouster of Syria's embattled president Tuesday after he delivered a two-hour speech railing against his Arab neighbors and blaming foreign plotters for inciting unrest in his nation. Published January 10, 2012
Iran: Latin visit, American’s death sentence push limits
Tensions between the United States and Iran reached new heights Monday, as Iran's president met with Venezuela's leader amid reports that Tehran has issued a death sentence on a U.S. citizen accused of spying for the CIA. Published January 9, 2012
U.S. eyeing Iran leader’s Latin America trip
U.S. officials will closely watch the Iranian president's visit to Latin America this week, concerned that he is seeking to forge alliances amid growing international support for U.S.-led sanctions against Iran's nuclear program. Published January 7, 2012
Laughter good diplomacy for India
You've heard that laughter is the best medicine, but it could also make good diplomacy. Published January 1, 2012
Bombings rock Baghdad and kill scores
U.S. officials condemned Thursday's wave of bombings that killed at least 69 people in Baghdad and fed fears that renewed sectarian violence will fill a security vacuum created by the departure of the last U.S. combat troops from Iraq on Sunday. Published December 22, 2011
U.S. takes delicate approach to North Korean succession
U.S. officials treaded carefully Monday in responding to Kim Jong-il's death amid concerns that the North Korean dictator's demise could trigger a succession struggle that would deepen uncertainty over the communist nation's nuclear arsenal. Published December 19, 2011