U.S., Turkish forces on course for clash in Syrian town
The U.S. and Turkish militaries are on a collision course, and the point of impact for the two NATO allies is the Syrian town of Manbij.
NATO
US classifies Hamas chief Haniyeh as specially designated global terrorist
The United States government has become the first country outside of Israel to categorize Hamas Politburo chief Ismail Haniyeh as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist, Ambassador Nathan A. Sales, the State Department coordinator for counterterrorism, told The Jerusalem Post.
Kurds in Syria call on US support to rein in Turkish operations
Syria’s Kurdish militias have grown frustrated with the United States and its stance over the assault by Turkish forces in Afrin, on mainly-Kurdish areas of northwestern Syria near the Turkish border.
Netanyahu to head to Moscow to discuss Iran, Syria with Putin
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is headed to Moscow on Monday for a whirlwind trip, during which he is set to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin and visit an exhibition on the Holocaust.
Senate to Vote on ‘Pain Capable’ Act Banning Abortion at 20 Weeks
The Senate will vote Monday on legislation banning abortion at the 20-week mark, the point at which unborn children can feel pain.
Iran has fired 23 ballistic missiles since start of 2015 nuclear deal, explosive report shows
Iran has aggressively pursued its ballistic missile program since agreeing to the 2015 nuclear deal, regularly launching nuclear-capable missiles in what critics consider a violation of the spirit of the deal, according to a report obtained by Fox News.
Putin hails new bomber as a boost to Russia’s nuclear forces
President Vladimir Putin praised a newly-built supersonic strategic bomber on Thursday after watching it in flight, saying it would beef up Russia’s nuclear weapons capability.
Senate narrowly approves Brownback for religious freedom job
The Republican-led Senate on Wednesday narrowly approved Sam Brownback’s bid to be U.S. ambassador for international religious freedom, setting the stage for him to resign the governorship in Kansas after seven contentious years in office.
Russia could gain military dominance over NATO, commander says
Growing modernization could give the Russian military dominance over NATO if the military bloc fails to adapt, the top commander said Wednesday.
Turkey’s Erdogan vows to destroy U.S.-backed ‘terror army’ in Syria
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan vowed to destroy a 30,000-man border security force in Syria, trained and equipped by Washington, characterizing it as a ‘terror army’ designed to infringe on the country’s sovereignty in the region.
Philippine volcano rumbles back to life, thousands evacuated
The Philippines’ most active volcano rumbled back to life Sunday with lava rising to its crater in a gentle eruption that has prompted authorities to evacuate thousands of villagers.
White House, Congress prepare for talks on spending, immigration
The White House said on Friday it was set to kick off talks next week with Republican and Democratic congressional leaders on immigration policy, government spending and other issues that need to be wrapped up early in the new year.
FBI made a ton more edits to water down James Comey’s statement on Clinton email probe
The FBI did far more editing of former FBI Director James Comey’s statement on their probe of Hillary Rodham Clinton’s private email server than previously known, edits that erased serious concerns the FBI initially had, according to a key senator.
Congress passes short-term spending bill, avoids shutdown
Congress passed a short-term spending bill Thursday to prevent a government shutdown, as Republicans attempt to reach a budget bill with Democrats by the end of the year.
Tax cut plan slips out of Senate Republicans’ hands when ‘trigger’ compromise is nixed
Senate Republicans were struggling to keep their $1.4 trillion tax cut on track Thursday night after a key compromise crumbled, sending leaders scurrying for another last-minute rewrite to try to keep deficit hawks on board.
Australia Senate Squashes Attempts to Protect Religious Freedom During Same-Sex Marriage Vote
Australia’s left-leaning Labor Party defeated an attempt by senate conservatives to protect religious freedoms in the country’s new same-sex marriage bill.
Democratic Senator Al Franken apologizes after accusations he kissed and groped broadcaster Leeann Tweeden without her consent
Sen. Al Franken apologized to the TV host and sportscaster who accused the Minnesota Democrat of kissing and groping her without her consent – and promised to cooperate with any investigation into the 2006 incident.
Bipartisan Bill to Fix Gun Background Check System Introduced in Senate
A bipartisan group of senators introduced a bill designed to address failures in the FBI’s gun background check system on Thursday.
UN envoy: Military conflict in Gaza could destroy Fatah-Hamas deal
An outbreak of violence between Israel and extremist groups in Gaza could destroy the fledgling agreement to end the 10-year rift between Fatah and Hamas, UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process Nickolay Mladenov told The Jerusalem Post.
Democrats the big winners in 2017 state, local elections
Democrats came out victorious in several of Tuesday’s key elections, including gubernatorial races in Virginia and New Jersey, leaving the party motivated for the upcoming 2018 election.