Russia adding 2nd airbase in Syria, pursuing ‘expansion’ in military campaign

Russia has expanded its military operations in Syria to include a second airbase as well as other posts, according to a U.S. official briefed on the latest intelligence from the region – even as President Obama expresses muted optimism that Russian President Vladimir Putin eventually will ‘shift’ his strategy and work with the West.

Ethicists square off over editing genes in human embryos

Debate over the use of powerful new gene editing tools in human eggs, sperm and embryos grew heated on Tuesday as scientists and ethicists gathered at an international summit to discuss the technology, which has the power to change the DNA of unborn children.

Declaring ‘new beginning,’ EU and Turkey seal migrant deal

Turkey promised to help stem the flow of migrants to Europe in return for cash, visas and renewed talks on joining the EU in a deal struck on Sunday that the Turkish prime minister called a “new beginning” for the uneasy neighbors.

Fourteen Countries Flying Sorties Over Syrian Airspace

Fourteen air forces have begun operating in Syrian airspace as a result of Operation Inherent Resolve, the air coaliton against ISIS. The air arms of the Syrian, Russian, Israeli, American, Jordanian, Australian, French, British, Turkish. Saudi, Canadian, Qatari, French and Bahraini armed forces have all operated within the Syrian airspace since the operation’s onset.

NATO sets emergency meeting after Turkey downs Russian jet

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization will hold an emergency meeting Tuesday after Turkey’s military shot down a Russian jet fighter, and defended its action as one that fell “within the framework of engagement rules.”

Visiting Tehran, Putin begins transfer of S-300

Russia’s President Vladimir Putin approved a plan on Monday to begin the transfer of the advanced S300 anti-aircraft system to Iran as he attended talks with leaders in Tehran.

Assad’s Fate Likely to Top Agenda During Putin’s Iran

Russia’s President Vladimir Putin was in Tehran on Monday for talks with Iranian leaders expected to focus on the Syrian crisis and an international peace plan intended to end the conflict.

Islamic State Employs New Tactics to Plot Attacks

The Islamic State is using a variety of new tactics, including encryption and control of local resources in Iraq and Syria, that make it more difficult to defeat without a greater U.S. presence in the Middle East, analysts said on Friday.

Officials: IS determined to produce chemical weapons

The Islamic State group is aggressively pursuing development of chemical weapons, setting up a branch dedicated to research and experiments with the help of scientists from Iraq, Syria and elsewhere in the region, according to Iraqi and U.S. intelligence officials.

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