Atheist Activists Go After Florida Sheriff
An atheist organization is after a sheriff in Florida for speaking at local churches while wearing his official uniform.
Year: 2015
Khamenei Appears to Reject Key Aspect of Nuclear Agreement
Iran’s supreme leader has apparently rejected key provisions of a framework agreement reached in April between his negotiators and those of six world powers.
Most Illegal Immigrants From Border Surge Skipped Court Date After Release
Tens of thousands of illegal immigrant women and children streamed across the U.S. border last year seeking asylum and protected status, claiming a “credible fear” of going home to the violence in Central America. President Obama addressed the crisis through increased border enforcement, more detention beds, more immigration judges and pressure on political leaders in their home countries.
Senate advances fast-track trade bill for Obama
The Senate on Tuesday voted to advance President Obama’s trade agenda, approving a measure to end debate on fast-track authority.
Syrian Islamists led by Nusra Front unite near Israel’s border
Eight Islamist groups active near Israel’s border in southern Syria have united into one bloc as the country’s Druse come under increasing pressure.
Iran and U.S. Forces Share Military Base in Iraq
The U.S. military and Iranian-backed Shiite militias are getting closer and closer in Iraq, even sharing a base, while Iran uses those militias to expand its influence in Iraq and fight alongside the Bashar al-Assad regime in neighboring Syria.
Mosul Cathedral to become ‘Mosque of the Mujahedeen’
The Islamic State has announced that the Syriac Orthodox Cathedral Church of St. Ephrem in Mosul will become known as the “Mosque of the Mujahedeen” in honor of the “holy warriors” of Islam who wage jihad in Allah’s name.
France to Propose ‘UN Security Council Resolution’ to Bring Mideast Peace
French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius warned Sunday of an “explosion” in the absence of Israeli-Palestinian peace efforts during a visit to the region Sunday, after Paris said it would propose a U.N. Security Council resolution to set a framework for negotiations.
Israel slams ‘politically motivated and morally flawed’ UN Gaza report
Israel on Monday said it would ‘seriously’ evaluate the United Nations Human Rights Council inquiry on the Gaza conflict, while politicians from left and right slammed the international body for bias and declared that the international investigators lacked access to evidence.
US is at the ‘Highest Threat Level We Have Ever Faced in This Country’
The chairman of the House Intelligence Committee warns that America is dealing with ‘the highest threat level we have ever faced in this country.’
Officials: Chinese Had Access to U.S. Security Clearance Data for One Year
The recently disclosed breach of the Office of Personnel Management’s security-clearance computer system took place a year ago, giving Chinese government intruders access to sensitive data for a year, according to new information.
Iran Parliament Votes to Limit Inspections Vital to Nuclear Deal
Iran’s parliament voted Sunday to oppose the inspections of government military sites as part of a pending, multi-nation agreement to curb the country’ nuclear program — potentially complicating a final deal ahead of a June 30 deadline.
US Report Finds Iran Threat Undiminished As Nuclear Deal Deadline Closes
Iran’s support for international terrorist groups remained undiminished last year and even expanded in some respects, the Obama administration said Friday, less than two weeks before the deadline for completing a nuclear deal that could provide Tehran with billions of dollars in relief from economic sanctions.
Iran Deal Not by June 30, but Perhaps in Days that Follow
Iran is trying to avoid detailed commitments. The French are sticking to their tough line. And US President Barack Obama faces a battle to sell any deal to a skeptical Congress.
House OKs Obama trade agenda on 2nd try, bill heads to Senate
The House on Thursday approved a key plank of President Obama’s trade agenda after the push nearly imploded amid Democratic resistance last week, sending the bill to the Senate where it still faces an uncertain fate.
Obama sends ‘warmest’ Ramadan greetings to Muslims
U.S. President Barack Obama offered in a Wednesday message his “warmest greetings” to Muslims celebrating the beginning of Ramadan, saying that the Islamic fasting month was the time to “reinforce faith, compassion and forgiveness, and perseverance through adversity.”
Pope Urges ‘Bold Cultural Revolution’ To Save Planet
Pope Francis called Thursday for a bold cultural revolution to correct what he calls the “structurally perverse” economic system of the rich exploiting the poor that is turning Earth into an “immense pile of filth.”
Army Shipped Live Anthrax for 10 Years, Couldn’t Effectively Kill Bacteria
The U.S. Army research facility that has mistakenly shipped live anthrax to unsuspecting labs in the U.S. and abroad for more than 10 years failed to have effective and standardized procedures for killing the deadly bacteria with radiation, according to a federal investigation report.
Chaos in Libya paves way for Islamic State expansion
Benefiting from Libya’s political chaos, Islamic State militants are consolidating their base in the city of Sirte and grabbing new territory, pushing back fighters from Misrata.
UN: World’s Refugee Crisis is Worse than Anyone Expected
The number of people uprooted from their homes by war and persecution in 2014 was larger than in any year since detailed record-keeping began, according to a comprehensive report released early Thursday by the U.N. refugee agency that will add to the evidence of a global exodus unlike any in modern times.