the many complex, technical terms often used in media discussions of foreign affairs

Glenn Greenwald gives us a brilliant foreign policy lexicon, showing the difference between a number of terms, such as these two:

The act of dangerous, threatening Hitlers -- NYT, today:

Iran was reported Monday to have test-fired long-range missiles capable of striking Israel and American bases in the Persian Gulf in what seemed a show of force.

The acts of a peace-loving democracy - Telegraph, January 18, 2008:

Israel has carried out the successful test launch of a long-range, ballistic missile capable of carrying a nuclear warhead, in what was intended as a clear show of strength to Iran.

Read it all. You'll be better able to discuss foreign policy ... or the media.