Trump gestures strong support to Hong Kong protestors
President Trump gave his support to Hong Kong protestors Wednesday, signing the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act into law.
NATO
Turkey to Test Russian S-400 Systems Despite US Pressure: Media
Turkish F-16 warplanes will fly over the country’s capital Ankara on Monday to test its new Russian S-400 missile defenses, Turkish media said, despite pressure from Washington for Turkey to drop the system.
Lindsey Graham, Ron Dermer support U.S.-Israel defense treaty
Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) expressed support in a possible Senate move to ratify a narrow U.S.-Israel mutual defense treaty in 2020 on Wednesday. He spoke at the Jewish Institute for National Security of America (JINSA) gala event in Washington.
U.S. Warns Turkey, Egypt About Purchase Of Russian Military Equipment
A senior State Department official has lashed out at Turkey and Egypt for military deals they have struck with Russia, warning of sanctions against the U.S. allies if they don’t reverse course.
Trump pushes GOP senators to hold a full trial if House votes to impeach
The White House supports a full trial for President Trump in the Senate if the House impeaches him.
Anti-China bill supporting Hong Kong protestors passes in US Senate
The US Senate unanimously passed a bill Tuesday condemning China’s interference in Hong Kong affairs.
Trump to address Kurds, Turkey’s Russian closeness with Erdogan at White House meeting
President Trump intends to confront Turkey’s president bluntly Wednesday about Ankara’s increasing coziness with Russia, and he will reject Turkish demands for the U.S. to stop cooperating with Kurdish forces in Syria, senior administration officials said Tuesday.
Governors’ Races Bring Mixed Results for Trump, GOP
Tuesday’s state elections in Kentucky and Mississippi brought mixed results for President Donald Trump and the Republican Party, with the GOP enjoying down-ballot success despite splitting the higher-profile gubernatorial races.
NATO Chief Calls For Russian Troop Withdrawal From Ukraine
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg has welcomed the withdrawal of Ukrainian and Russia-backed separatist forces from a frontline area in eastern Ukraine, but reiterated calls for Moscow to ‘withdraw all their troops.’
Senate rejects Paul effort to cut spending
The Senate on Monday rejected an effort by Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) to place an across-the-board spending cut in a domestic funding package being debated by lawmakers.
Democratic hopeful Sanders urges giving chunk of US military aid to Gaza instead
Democratic presidential hopeful Bernie Sanders said Monday that part of the $3.8 billion in annual US military assistance to Israel should instead go toward humanitarian relief in Gaza.
Bernie Sanders unveils plan to legalize marijuana nationwide
Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders unveiled a plan Thursday to legalize marijuana nationwide, reverse marijuana convictions and regulate the marijuana industry.
Senate Republicans push resolution assailing Trump impeachment process
Republicans on Thursday pressed their campaign to discredit the Democratic-led impeachment inquiry against U.S. President Donald Trump by introducing a U.S. Senate resolution that called the process unfair but said nothing about Trump’s conduct in his dealings with Ukraine.
S.C. senators pass bill to bar most abortions after exemptions removed
Senators in South Carolina approved a proposal to ban virtually all abortions six weeks following conception after removing exemptions for pregnancies that are the result of rape and incest.
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.
Syria critic Lindsey Graham reverses stance, says Trump’s policy could succeed
Republican U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham, who has been one of the most vocal critics of President Donald Trump’s decision to move U.S. troops out of northeastern Syria, said on Sunday he now believed ‘historic solutions’ were possible.
Debating Democrats blast Trump, demand impeachment
Democratic White House hopefuls united in searing condemnation of Donald Trump during their fourth debate Tuesday, saying the US president has broken the law, abused his power, and deserves to be impeached.
Turkey’s Erdogan positioned to be Putin ally in NATO
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan could help Russia in multiple ways if he continues to undermine the effectiveness of NATO from within the transatlantic alliance, according to diplomats and analysts.
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.
US senators propose tough sanctions on Turkey unless it leaves Syria
A bipartisan group of US senators said Wednesday they have agreed on far-reaching sanctions to be slapped on NATO ally Turkey if its forces do not withdraw from neighboring Syria.