Russia’s internet law a ‘new level’ of censorship: RSF
A new law that went into effect in Russia on Friday takes ‘internet censorship in Russia to a new level,’ press freedom advocacy group Reporters without Borders (RSF) says.
ISIS
Lebanon PM Resigns, Hezbollah Loyalists Attack Beirut Protesters as Crisis Deepens
Lebanon’s prime minister, Saad Hariri, has announced his resignation, in a move set to spark further uncertainty in a country paralyzed by political dysfunction and nationwide protests.
Baghdadi Operation Named After Christian Woman Who Refused to Give Up Faith Before ISIS Killed Her
The US military operation that resulted in the death of ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi was dedicated to Kayla Mueller, a young Christian woman who was kidnapped, tortured, and murdered by the Islamic State.
Hezbollah chief warns of civil war, says Israel exploiting Lebanon protests
Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah on Friday warned that ongoing massive anti-government protests in Lebanon could plunge the country into civil war, and accused Israel and other countries of working to take advantage of the demonstrations to fuel unrest.
Dead end: Inside the two-hour Delta Force raid that killed ISIS leader Baghdadi
More than five years after the Islamic State first took root in Iraq and Syria, President Trump confirmed on Sunday its leader, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, was killed in Syria during a raid by U.S. special operations forces.
Catalonia crisis: Separatist protest draws 350,000 in Barcelona
About 350,000 people have protested in Barcelona over the jailing of separatist leaders from Spain’s Catalonia region, police say.
Al-Baghdadi takedown catches Dems flat-footed, blunts criticism of Trump’s Syria pullback
President Trump’s successful operation to take out Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi sent Democrats scrambling on Sunday, as several top party leaders had complained publicly in recent days that the White House had no ‘real plan’ to combat the terror group following the U.S. pullout in Syria.
Trump says he kept details of ISIS operation from Pelosi to avoid leaks
President Trump said Sunday morning that he did not tell House Speaker Nancy Pelosi about the U.S. military raid in Syria that resulted in the death of ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi because he was worried about leaks that could have compromised the mission.
Churches destroyed by ISIS in Iraq to be rebuilt
Two Iraq churches that were destroyed by the so-called Islamic State are to be rebuilt with the help of the Muslim-majority United Arab Emirates.
‘We do not know where they are’: More than 100 ISIS prisoners missing in Syria
More than 100 Islamic State prisoners have gone missing since Turkey invaded Syria, and the State Department doesn’t know where they are, the department’s anti-ISIS chief said today.
Despite setback, Kurds appear ready for Washington-Moscow spotlight
Syrian Kurdish leader General Mazlum Kobani was on the phone with the Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and got support from Washington on Wednesday, two weeks after it seemed his Syrian Democratic Forces were on the ropes against Turkey.
Lebanon shaken by third day of protests with some denouncing Hezbollah
Protests continued to rage throughout Lebanon on Saturday as politicians attempt to find a way to end a crisis that has many calling for the current government to step down.
Pence Announces Ceasefire Deal With Erdogan to End Turkey’s Syria Offensive
U.S. Vice President Mike Pence said on Thursday he had reached a deal with Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan for a ceasefire in northern Syria to end an eight-day-old Turkish offensive against Kurdish-led forces.
UAE Becomes World’s First Country to Restore Iraqi Churches Destroyed by ISIS
The United Arab Emirates is teaming up with UNESCO to rebuild two Christian churches in Mosul, Iraq that were destroyed by ISIS in 2014.
US jets destroy anti-ISIS coalition base in Syria after withdrawal, official says
Two Operation Inherent Resolve (OIR) F-15 jets destroyed a base that was the headquarters of the anti-ISIS coalition in northern Syria on Wednesday after it had been vacated, according to a military official.
US calls for historic NATO sanctions on Turkey
NATO powers might sanction Turkey over the assault on U.S. partners that has ‘resulted in the release of many dangerous ISIS detainees,’ Defense Secretary Mark Esper said.
Hong Kong’s Lam says Chinese military could step in if uprising worsens
Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam warned Tuesday the Chinese military could step in if an uprising for democratic reforms in the city worsens, but she reiterated the government still hopes to resolve the crisis on its own without seeking mainland intervention.
Turkey’s Syria incursion may allow ISIS to attempt mass prison break amid US withdrawal, Kurdish fighters warn
ISIS fighters and other terrorists comprising the more than 10,000 Islamic militants jailed in northeast Syria could launch a mass prison break as U.S. troops withdraw from the region in response to Turkey’s impending incursion, Syrian Kurdish fighters warned Monday.
Hong Kong Plunges Deeper into Crisis as Protests Break Out for the Third Consecutive Day
Anti-communist crowds marched through Hong Kong Sunday to decry the government’s emergency powers and press their demands for political freedom. Many wore masks in open defiance of a government ban on facial coverings meant as a deterrent to protesters, whose four-month-old democratic rebellion has thrown the semi-autonomous enclave into crisis and caused consternation among China’s top leadership.
Rev. Graham’s tour evokes evangelical support for Trump
Rev. Franklin Graham did not utter the word ‘impeachment’ as he spoke to thousands of Christians here this week, the latest stop on a long-running tour he has dubbed Decision America — a title with political and religious undertones.