Barack Obama: Attempts to block Syria refugees ‘contrary to American values’

US lawmakers called on Wednesday (18 November) for even tighter scrutiny of Syrian refugees fleeing to the United States as last weeks deadly Paris attacks recast Americas debate over immigration and national security, prompting a sharp rebuke from President Barack Obama, who said attempts to block entry were offensive and contrary to American values. Nov 18, 2015

Britain develops cyber-attack powers to take on digital terrorism

British spies are developing an offensive cyber capability to attack terrorists, hackers and rogue states, finance minister George Osborne said on Tuesday (17 November) after warning Islamic State (IS) militants wanted to launch deadly cyber-attacks of their own. Osborne said IS fighters were trying to develop the ability to attack Britains infrastructure such as hospitals and air traffic control systems with potentially lethal consequences. In response to this threat and others, Britain was creating its own offensive cyber capability so spies could launch counter attacks, he said. Nov 17, 2015

G20: Britain to hire 1,900 more spies to combat IS

Britain will increase its intelligence agency staff by 15 percent and more than double spending on aviation security to defend against Islamist militants plotting attacks from Syria, Prime Minister David Cameron said on Monday (16 November). Nov 17, 2015