Very little of what Barack Obama promised to achieve in foreign affairs has come to pass.
Reuters/Jim Bourg
Barack Obama assumed office in January 2009 amid public euphoria and high expectations of greater racial harmony and reduced gun violence at home and a more stable and peaceful international order.
Artyom Anikeev/Shutterstock.com
The War on Terror-era programme of clandestine abductions and detentions wasn’t just an American initiative.
EPA/Stringer
As Libya falls further into chaos, the US has agreed to back the new government’s request to lift an arms embargo against it.
Flaming mess?
EPA
Libya has become a case study for those who think the world should never intervene in national conflicts. Not so fast.
What’s he saying about me?
EPA/Michael Reynolds
Barack Obama’s dour disappointment with Europe is far more powerful than his worries about a Brexit.
Marking the fifth anniversary of the overthrow of Colonel Gadddafi.
STRINGER/EPA
Since 2011, Libya has been trying to fashion itself into a functioning democratic state – but instead, it’s still mired in violent chaos.
Egyptian refugees fleeing Libya with the help of the US Air Force.
US Department of Defence
Surely it isn’t too far-fetched to claim that if migrants are to promote democracy back home, it is beneficial for them to experience democratic values and principles in the countries hosting them.
Free Syrian Army fighters on their smartphones.
Jalal Al-mamo/Reuters
As usage continues to grow in the region, what’s the ongoing dynamic between the Middle East and social media? It’s complicated.
Libyans marking the fifth anniversary of the 2011 uprising on February 17.
EPA
With everything from Islamic State to disenfranchised black Africans to deal with, the former Gaddafi stronghold has everything to achieve.
Consulate attacked.
Reuters
The right are using a new film about the 2012 Benghazi US consulate attack as a political weapon against Hillary Clinton. Are they justified?
Reuters/Jean-Paul Pelissier
Twelve years after George W Bush proclaimed a new era of peace and stability in Iraq, the Middle East is more unstable and dangerous than ever before.
The aftermath of an Israeli air strike on Gaza’s Islamic University. Higher education systems often become casualties of war.
EPA/Mohammed Saber
Quality higher education is crucial for recovery, peace-building, economic development and stronger governance in post-conflict societies.
Due process awaits at Libya’s Supreme Court.
EPA/STR
By declining to stop an unfair trial and a batch of death sentences in Libya, the world’s court has yet again proved its fecklessness.
Early days.
VOA via Wikimedia Commons
Endless spats over tactics, style and aims drove Islamic State away from al-Qaeda – and the two are deadly enemies to this day.
Iraqi forces liberate Tikrit.
EPA/Ali Mohammed
The US president admits he has no ‘complete strategy’ for Islamic State. He’ll need one – this lot are no pushover.
A militia advances 90km north of Tripoli.
EPA/STR
With Libya carved up by warring factions, the UN has offered up a directionless and toothless peace plan.
The Libyan coast guard in action.
EPA/Sabri Elmhewdi
Libya’s endless security crisis and duelling “governments” are turning the Mediterranean into a sea of troubles.
When Australians hear about Foreign Minister Julie Bishop’s dire warnings and counter-terrorism raids, they could lose historical perspective on the threat posed by Islamic State.
AAP/Mal Fairclough
Dire government warnings and counter-terrorism raids in our suburbs paint a picture of the worst threat Western nations have ever faced. A little historical perspective is in order.
Another day, another challenge for Operation Triton.
EPA/Francesco Arena
The EU has pledged to triple money to the search-and-rescue mission in the Mediterranean. But simply throwing money at the problem won’t work.
Spot the heavyweight.
Pete Souza, via Wikimedia Commons.
Ed Miliband’s attack on David Cameron’s foreign policy seems to have hit home. But is it deserved?